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, introducing updated styling and technology. The 2020 Volkswagen Up! GTI 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) OPF represents a performance-oriented variant of the facelifted model, offering a more engaging driving experience while retaining the Up!’s core practicality. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! is a popular choice in Europe as a compact and economical vehicle, competing with models like the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo.
Volkswagen Up! GTI 1.0 TSI (2020): An Overview
The Up! GTI is positioned as the sporty top-of-the-line trim level for the Up! range. The “GTI” designation, historically associated with Volkswagen’s performance models, signifies a focus on enhanced driving dynamics. The 1.0 TSI engine, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, delivers a noticeable increase in power and torque compared to the standard Up! models. The “OPF” in the name denotes the inclusion of a gasoline particulate filter, a feature implemented to meet increasingly stringent European emission standards. This model is primarily sold in European markets, where demand for small, efficient, and nimble city cars remains strong.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2020 Up! GTI is the 1.0-liter TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) three-cylinder engine. This engine produces 115 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000-3500 rpm. The turbocharger and direct injection system contribute to both increased power output and improved fuel efficiency. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is a respectable 8.6 kg/Hp, and its power per liter is an impressive 115.1 Hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 8.8 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.4 seconds. The Up! GTI boasts a top speed of 196 km/h (121.79 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. A Start & Stop system is included as standard, further enhancing fuel economy.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! GTI is a three or five-door hatchback, offering seating for four passengers. Its compact dimensions – a length of 3600 mm (141.73 in) and a width of 1645 mm (64.76 in) – make it exceptionally maneuverable in congested urban environments. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 992 kg (2186.99 lbs) contributes to its agile handling. The interior, while compact, is designed to maximize space and practicality. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.), expanding to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a six-speed manual transmission. The suspension utilizes coil springs and independent wishbones at the front and an independent coil spring setup at the rear. The Up! GTI is equipped with ventilated discs on the front brakes and drum brakes on the rear. Tire sizes range from 165/65 R15 to 195/40 R17, depending on the chosen wheel rim size (5J x 15 or 6J x 17).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | GTI 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) OPF |
| Start of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 5.0 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 125 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 112 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5000-5500 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 2000-3500 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 2000-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DKRA, DKRF |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 992 kg (2186.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 388 kg (855.39 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 | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1910 mm (75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1492 mm (58.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2412 mm (94.96 in.) |
| Front track | 1412-1433 mm (55.59 – 56.42 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1408-1428 mm (55.43 – 56.22 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Up! GTI 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) OPF offers a compelling package for drivers seeking a fun-to-drive, economical, and practical city car. Its combination of a turbocharged engine, agile handling, and compact dimensions makes it well-suited to the challenges of urban driving.
