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, improved equipment, and enhanced safety features. This article focuses on the facelifted Volkswagen Up! 1.0, specifically the 60 horsepower variant produced between 2018 and 2020. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! played a crucial role in the European microcar segment, offering a practical and economical transportation solution.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0: An Overview
The Up! was conceived as a successor to the Volkswagen Lupo, aiming to provide a more contemporary and technologically advanced offering in the A-segment (city car) market. 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 60 horsepower, was a popular choice, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate performance for city driving. The Up! is typically offered as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, catering to different practicality needs.
Engine & Performance
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter gasoline engine. This engine, designated with codes such as CHYA, CHYE, and DAFA, produces 60 horsepower (60.1 hp/liter) and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. While not designed for outright speed, the engine provides sufficient power for urban commutes and shorter journeys. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.4 seconds, and 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.7 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 162 km/h (100.66 mph). A key strength of the 1.0-liter engine is its fuel efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l), with CO2 emissions ranging from 95-96 g/km, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards. The engine also incorporates a particulate filter to further reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) is a compact hatchback, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations. Its design prioritizes practicality and efficiency. The exterior features a relatively simple, yet modern aesthetic, with revised front and rear bumpers, updated headlights, and new alloy wheel options as part of the facelift. Inside, the Up! offers seating for four passengers. The interior design is functional and well-built, with a focus on usability. Standard features typically include power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and basic infotainment options. Higher trim levels may include features such as air conditioning, central locking, and electric windows. Safety features were enhanced with the facelift, including the availability of City Emergency Braking as an option. The Up! offers a trunk (boot) space of 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 934 kg (2059.12 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.8-4.9 l/100 km (49-48 US mpg, 58.9-57.6 UK mpg, 20.8-20.4 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 | 95-96 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 162 km/h (100.66 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.6 kg/Hp, 64.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm, 101.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 60 Hp |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYA, CHYE, DAFA |
| 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 | 934 kg (2059.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 396 kg (873.03 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14; 185/55 R15; 185/50 R16; 195/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 5.5J x 15; 6J x 16; 6.5J x 17 |
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) 1.0 (60 Hp) represents a well-rounded package for urban drivers seeking an economical, practical, and relatively efficient city car. While not available in the US market, it remains a popular choice in Europe for its compact size, low running costs, and ease of maneuverability.
