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 for urban environments. The model underwent a significant facelift in 2016, introducing updated styling, improved equipment, and a new engine option – the 1.0 TSI. This article focuses on the Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) powered by the 1.0 TSI engine producing 90 horsepower, specifically as it was offered between 2018 and 2019. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! was a popular choice in Europe as a practical and economical alternative to larger, more expensive hatchbacks.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 TSI: An Overview
The Up! aimed to provide a fresh take on the city car segment, offering a surprising amount of space and practicality within its compact dimensions. The 2016 facelift brought a more mature and refined appearance, along with enhancements to the interior and technology. The introduction of the 1.0 TSI engine was a key upgrade, providing a significant boost in performance compared to the naturally aspirated engines previously offered. This engine combined turbocharging and direct injection to deliver a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making the Up! 1.0 TSI a compelling option for drivers seeking a nimble and economical city car.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Up! 1.0 TSI is a 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine, designated DKLC, produces 90 horsepower (Hp) and 160 Newton-meters (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1800 and 3500 rpm. The turbocharger and direct injection system contribute to a responsive driving experience, with ample power for navigating city streets and even holding its own on the highway. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in a calculated 9.4 seconds. The Up! 1.0 TSI boasts a top speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined fuel consumption rated at 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers (56 US mpg or 67.3 UK mpg). The engine meets Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations, seating up to four passengers. Its design prioritizes functionality and efficiency, with a relatively short length of 3600 mm (141.73 in) and a width ranging from 1641 to 1645 mm (64.61 – 64.76 in). The interior is surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, offering comfortable seating and a practical dashboard layout. Key features included standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a range of optional equipment such as air conditioning, infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, and safety features like city emergency braking. The trunk space is versatile, offering 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) when folded down. The Up!’s design focused on providing a modern and appealing aesthetic while maintaining a practical and functional package for urban driving.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 TSI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6-3.7 l/100 km (65.3 – 63.6 US mpg, 78.5 – 76.3 UK mpg, 27.8 – 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 96-97 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp |
| Power per litre | 90.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1800-3500 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 1800-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DKLC |
| 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 | 1002 kg (2209.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1360 kg (2998.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 358 kg (789.25 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 | 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! 1.0 TSI (facelift 2016) represented a well-rounded package for those seeking a practical, efficient, and enjoyable city car. Its combination of compact dimensions, peppy engine, and modern features made it a popular choice in European markets.
