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 enhanced technology. This article focuses on the 2016-2018 facelifted Volkswagen Up! equipped with the 1.0-liter, 60 horsepower engine and Automated Shift Gearbox (ASG). While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! found considerable success in Europe as a competitor to vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo, offering a practical and economical transportation solution.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! was conceived as a replacement for the Lupo, Volkswagen’s previous attempt at a small city car. The 2016 facelift brought a more mature and refined appearance, with revised front and rear fascias, updated interior materials, and the introduction of new technology features. The 1.0-liter engine, producing 60 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for city driving. The ASG transmission, a five-speed automated manual, provided a convenient alternative to a traditional manual gearbox, though it prioritized fuel economy over sporty driving dynamics.
Engine & Performance
The 2016 Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter (999 cm3 or 60.96 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine generates 60 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection. While not a powerhouse, the engine is designed for efficiency and responsiveness in urban conditions. The power-to-weight ratio is 14.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 15.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 14.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 162 km/h (100.66 mph). Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg or 68.9 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations. The facelifted model features a more prominent grille, redesigned headlights, and a revised front bumper. Inside, the Up! offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, comfortably accommodating four passengers. The interior design is functional and modern, with a focus on practicality. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power steering, and a basic audio system. Optional extras could include air conditioning, alloy wheels, and Volkswagen’s ‘Maps + More’ infotainment system, which integrated navigation and smartphone connectivity. The 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. Safety features, while basic by modern standards, included driver and passenger airbags. The Up!’s compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to maneuver in tight city streets and park in confined spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (60 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) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 95 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 162 km/h (100.66 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| 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 | 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 (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission ASG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14; 175/65 R14; 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 5.5J x 15 |
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG represents a practical and efficient solution for urban mobility. Its compact size, fuel-efficient engine, and affordable price point made it a popular choice in European markets. While not available in the US, it exemplifies Volkswagen’s commitment to producing accessible and well-engineered vehicles for a global audience.
