The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by Volkswagen, primarily intended for the European market. Introduced in 2011, the Up! aimed to provide an affordable and efficient entry point into the Volkswagen brand. The model underwent a significant facelift in 2016, bringing updated styling, improved equipment, and enhanced technology. This article focuses on the 2016 facelifted Volkswagen Up! equipped with the 1.0-liter, 75 horsepower engine paired with the Automated Shift Gearbox (ASG), produced between 2018 and 2019. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! represents Volkswagen’s approach to compact, economical transportation in Europe.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! occupies the city car segment, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 108. Its compact dimensions and nimble handling make it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments. The 2016 facelift brought a more mature and refined appearance, along with improvements to the interior and available technology. The 1.0-liter engine, producing 75 horsepower, provides a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for city driving. The ASG transmission, a type of automated manual gearbox, offers convenience without the complexity (and cost) of a traditional automatic transmission.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this Up! variant is a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated CHYB. This engine produces 75 horsepower (Hp) and 95 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, available between 3000 and 4300 rpm (equivalent to 70.07 lb.-ft.). While not a powerhouse, the engine is designed for efficiency and responsiveness in urban conditions. Power per liter is a respectable 75.1 Hp/l. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection. The engine’s output translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 14.9 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 14.2 seconds. The maximum speed is rated at 173 km/h (107.5 mph). The engine meets Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions. The engine has an oil capacity of 3.4 liters (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt).
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) is a hatchback available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, seating up to four passengers. Its design prioritizes practicality and efficiency. The facelift brought revised front and rear bumpers, new headlight designs, and updated interior trim. The Up! features a relatively spacious interior for its size, with a trunk capacity ranging 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. Standard safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s dimensions are compact: a length of 3600 mm (141.73 in.), a width of 1641-1645 mm (64.61 – 64.76 in.), and a height of 1504 mm (59.21 in.). The wheelbase measures 2407 mm (94.76 in.). The Up! utilizes a steering rack and pinion with electric power steering for precise and effortless maneuverability. Available wheel sizes range from 5.5J x 15 to 6.5J x 17, accommodating tire sizes of 185/55 R15, 185/50 R16, and 195/40 R17.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 102-103 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 | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp, 79.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.9 kg/Nm, 101.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| 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 aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 940 kg (2072.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 390 kg (859.8 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 | 1641-1645 mm (64.61 – 64.76 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, automatic transmission ASG |
| 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 | 185/55 R15; 185/50 R16; 195/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15; 6J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG, while not available in the US market, represents a successful formula for compact, efficient, and affordable urban transportation in Europe. Its combination of a small engine, lightweight construction, and automated manual transmission delivers a practical and economical driving experience.
