The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by Volkswagen, primarily aimed at the European market. Introduced in 2011, the Up! represented Volkswagen’s entry into the ultra-compact car segment, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo. The model underwent a significant facelift in 2016, bringing updated styling, improved equipment, and enhanced efficiency. This article focuses on the 2016-2018 facelifted Volkswagen Up! equipped with the 1.0-liter, 75 horsepower engine and Automated Shift Gearbox (ASG). While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Up! provides insight into Volkswagen’s global strategy for affordable and efficient transportation.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! was conceived as a modern, minimalist city car, prioritizing fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and affordability. The 2016 facelift refined the original design, adding a more assertive front fascia and updated interior materials. The 1.0-liter engine, paired with the ASG transmission, offered a balance between performance and economy, making it well-suited for urban driving conditions. The ASG, a type of automated manual transmission, provided the convenience of an automatic while maintaining the efficiency of a manual gearbox. The Up! was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to different customer needs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2016 Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG is a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter (999 cm3 or 60.96 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine produces 75 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides adequate performance for city driving. The power-to-weight ratio stands at 11.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Nm. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and adheres to Euro 6 emission standards, ensuring relatively low environmental impact. The ASG transmission, with its five gears, contributes to the Up!’s fuel efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 14.2 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 172 km/h (106.88 mph).
Design & Features
The 2016 facelifted Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, available with either three or five doors. Its design emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The exterior features a revised front bumper, new headlight designs, and updated taillights. Inside, the Up! offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, comfortably accommodating four passengers. The interior design is minimalist, focusing on practicality and ease of use. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a range of optional equipment such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. Trunk space ranges from 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Up! prioritizes maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating congested city streets. Safety features, while basic by modern standards, include ABS and driver/passenger airbags.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 97 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 172 km/h (106.88 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYB |
| 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 | 865 kg (1907 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 959 l (33.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| 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 | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission ASG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 5.5J x 15 |
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG, while not sold in the US market, represents a successful example of a European city car. Its focus on efficiency, maneuverability, and affordability made it a popular choice for urban commuters. The 2016 facelift further enhanced its appeal, solidifying its position in a competitive segment.
