The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. Introduced in 2011, the Up! was designed as a modern, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle aimed at the urban driving environment. The model underwent a significant facelift in 2016, bringing updated styling, improved equipment, and revised engine options. This article focuses on the 2016-2018 facelifted Volkswagen Up! powered by the 1.0-liter, 68 horsepower engine, and specifically its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) variant, a powertrain option popular in European markets seeking reduced emissions and running costs. The Up! competed with other city cars like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 108.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 (68 Hp) CNG: Overview
The Up! was conceived as a replacement for the Lupo, offering a more contemporary design and a focus on practicality. The 2016 facelift brought a more mature aesthetic, with revised front and rear bumpers, new headlight designs, and updated interior trim. The 1.0-liter CNG engine variant was particularly significant in countries with established CNG infrastructure, offering a viable alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel power. This version of the Up! aimed to provide a balance between affordability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! represents Volkswagen’s commitment to compact, efficient vehicles for densely populated urban areas.
Engine & Performance
The 2016-2018 Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (68 Hp) CNG is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder engine displacing 999 cubic centimeters (60.96 cubic inches). This engine produces 68 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 90 Newton-meters (66.38 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection. The power-to-weight ratio is 14.1 kg/Hp (71 Hp/tonne), and the torque-to-weight ratio is 10.6 kg/Nm (93.9 Nm/tonne). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. When running on CNG, the engine delivers a reduced output, optimized for efficiency and lower emissions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 16.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 15.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The five-speed manual transmission delivers power to the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations. The facelifted model features a more refined exterior design, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency. The interior is designed to maximize space within the vehicle’s small footprint. Key features include a functional dashboard layout, comfortable seating for four occupants, and a surprisingly spacious trunk for its size. The trunk offers 213 liters (7.52 cubic feet) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 913 liters (32.24 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features, standard for the era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Up! prioritizes practicality and ease of use, making it well-suited for navigating congested city streets. The vehicle’s compact dimensions and tight turning circle (9.8 meters / 32.15 feet) further enhance its maneuverability. The CNG variant includes a dedicated CNG fuel tank with a capacity of 11 kg, alongside a small gasoline tank (10 liters / 2.64 US gallons) for extended range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (68 Hp) CNG |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (CNG) | 3.7 kg/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (CNG) | 2.5 kg/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (CNG) | 2.9 kg/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 82 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 68 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 90 Nm @ 3000 rpm (66.38 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CPGA |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 958 kg (2112.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 422 kg (930.35 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 213 l (7.52 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 913 l (32.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10 l (2.64 US gal | 2.2 UK gal) |
| CNG cylinder capacity | 11 kg |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3600 mm (141.73 in.) |
| Width | 1641 mm (64.61 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1910 mm (75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2407 mm (94.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1412-1428 mm (55.59 – 56.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1408-1424 mm (55.43 – 56.06 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14; 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (68 Hp) CNG, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for urban drivers seeking an economical, environmentally conscious, and practical city car. Its compact size, efficient engine, and availability of CNG power made it a popular choice in European markets.
