The Volkswagen Cross Up! 1.0 (75 hp) ASG is a small city car produced by Volkswagen from 2013 to 2016. It represents a ruggedized variant of the Up! hatchback, designed to appeal to buyers seeking a slightly more adventurous aesthetic and increased ground clearance. This particular configuration, powered by the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with Volkswagen’s ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) transmission, occupied the entry-level position within the Cross Up! range, offering a balance of affordability and practicality. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the small car segment is particularly popular, and aimed at urban drivers and those needing a nimble and economical vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Cross Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 106 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 | 167 km/h (103.77 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.2 kg/Hp, 75.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.4 kg/Nm, 95.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| 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 | 992 kg (2186.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 318 kg (701.07 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) |
| Length | 3563 mm (140.28 in.) |
| Width | 1649 mm (64.92 in.) |
| Height | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1416 mm (55.75 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
INTRODUCTION
The Volkswagen Cross Up! was introduced as a more visually distinct and practically oriented version of the standard Up! hatchback. Launched in 2013 and continuing through 2016, it featured plastic body cladding, slightly raised suspension, and a more robust appearance. The 1.0-liter (75 hp) ASG variant was positioned as the entry point to the Cross Up! lineup, offering a cost-effective and fuel-efficient option for urban commuters. It built upon the foundation of the Volkswagen New Small Family (NSF) platform – also known as the A05 – which underpinned the Up!, SEAT Mii, and Škoda Citigo. The Cross Up! aimed to broaden the appeal of the Up! by offering a vehicle that looked and felt more capable, without sacrificing the core attributes of affordability and ease of driving.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cross Up! 1.0 ASG is the CHYB engine code, a 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a naturally aspirated configuration. The three-cylinder layout inherently provides a unique engine note and contributes to the engine’s compact size. The engine produces 75 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. The ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) is a five-speed automated manual transmission. Unlike a traditional automatic with a torque converter, the ASG uses actuators to shift gears, offering improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional automatics. However, it can sometimes exhibit slightly jerky shifts, particularly at lower speeds. The ASG was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and contribution to lower emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0-liter engine and ASG transmission combination in the Cross Up! delivers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 14.2 seconds, and the top speed is 103.77 mph. The ASG transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for fuel economy rather than outright acceleration. In real-world driving, the Cross Up! feels best suited to city streets and slower-paced environments. The ASG transmission can feel hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers, requiring drivers to anticipate and plan ahead. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Up!, the ASG offers greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic, but sacrifices some driver engagement and responsiveness. The raised suspension of the Cross Up! provides a slightly more comfortable ride over uneven surfaces compared to the standard Up!, but the overall handling remains nimble and predictable.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cross Up! 1.0 ASG came reasonably well-equipped for its price point. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a radio with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a navigation system, and parking sensors. The Cross Up! also featured distinctive exterior styling cues, such as black plastic wheel arch extensions, silver roof rails, and a rugged front bumper. The interior often featured contrasting trim elements to emphasize the vehicle’s adventurous character.
Chassis & Braking
The Cross Up! utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension was slightly raised compared to the standard Up!, providing increased ground clearance. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive handling. The chassis is designed to be lightweight and rigid, contributing to the vehicle’s agility and fuel efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volkswagen Cross Up! 1.0 ASG was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and economical city car. However, the ASG transmission was often criticized for its occasionally jerky shifts. Compared to other trims in the Up! lineup, such as the 1.0-liter manual or the more powerful 1.4-liter versions, the 1.0 ASG offered the lowest price point and the best fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. It competed with other small city cars like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107. The Cross Up! differentiated itself with its more rugged styling and slightly increased practicality.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Cross Up! 1.0 ASG, while not a high-performance vehicle, has proven to be a reliable and durable city car. The 1.0-liter engine is known for its longevity, and the ASG transmission, while sometimes finicky, is generally robust. In the used car market, the Cross Up! 1.0 ASG remains an affordable and economical option for buyers seeking a small, practical, and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its compact size and nimble handling make it well-suited to urban environments, and its distinctive styling continues to appeal to those seeking a vehicle with a bit more personality.
