The Volkswagen Cross Up! facelift, specifically the 1.0-liter (75 horsepower) version equipped with the ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) transmission, was a small city car produced from 2016 to 2018. Positioned as a more rugged and visually distinct variant of the standard Up!, the Cross Up! aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a slightly more adventurous aesthetic and a higher driving position. This particular engine and transmission combination represented the entry-level powertrain option for the Cross Up! range in many European markets, offering a balance between affordability and usability. It was built on the Volkswagen Group’s A05 (1HX0/A3) platform, shared with the SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Cross Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 102 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 167 km/h (103.77 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp, 80 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.9 kg/Nm, 101.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp |
| 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.) |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| 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 | 937 kg (2065.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 393 kg (866.42 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3628 mm (142.83 in.) |
| Width | 1649 mm (64.92 in.) |
| Height | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2411 mm (94.92 in.) |
| Front track | 1412-1433 mm (55.59 – 56.42 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1408-1428 mm (55.43 – 56.22 in.) |
| 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 | 5 gears, automatic transmission ASG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
INTRODUCTION
The Volkswagen Cross Up! facelift, launched in 2016, represented a minor refresh of the original Cross Up! introduced in 2013. The facelift brought subtle styling updates, including revised bumpers and interior trim. The 1.0-liter 75 hp ASG variant was a key part of the lineup, targeting buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and ease of driving over outright performance. It was primarily sold in European markets, where small, economical city cars are highly popular. The ASG transmission, a five-speed automated manual, offered a degree of convenience without the cost or complexity of a traditional automatic.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cross Up! 1.0 ASG is the CHYB engine code, a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 999cc petrol engine. This engine utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. The CHYB engine is known for its relatively simple design, contributing to its reliability and ease of maintenance. The ASG transmission is a five-speed automated manual gearbox. Unlike a traditional automatic with a torque converter, the ASG uses an electronic control unit (ECU) to operate the clutch and shift gears automatically. This system aims to provide the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. However, it can sometimes exhibit slightly jerky shifts, particularly at lower speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 75 hp output and the ASG transmission resulted in a driving experience geared towards urban environments. Acceleration was modest, with a 0-62 mph time of around 15.9 seconds. The ASG transmission, while convenient, wasn’t particularly quick-shifting, and the lack of a torque converter meant that off-the-line acceleration felt less smooth than in a traditional automatic. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy rather than performance. In real-world driving, the Cross Up! 1.0 ASG felt best suited to city streets and shorter journeys. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 TSI (turbocharged) versions, or even the standard 1.0 MPI, this variant offered significantly less punch, but it also delivered superior fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cross Up! trim level, even in its base 1.0 ASG configuration, offered a reasonable level of equipment. Standard features typically included air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system. The “Cross” styling package added plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills, giving the car a more rugged appearance. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and parking sensors. The Cross Up! generally sat above the base Up! in terms of equipment and styling, but below the more premium trim levels.
Chassis & Braking
The Cross Up! featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. Due to the relatively light weight of the vehicle (around 937 kg / 2065.73 lbs), the braking performance was adequate for its intended use. The slightly increased ride height of the Cross Up! compared to the standard Up! provided a marginally better ability to cope with rougher road surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volkswagen Cross Up! 1.0 ASG was generally well-received by 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, the 1.0 ASG offered the best fuel economy but the slowest acceleration. The 1.0 TSI, while more expensive, provided a significantly more engaging driving experience. The 1.0 MPI manual offered a more affordable alternative, but required the driver to operate the clutch and gear lever. The Cross Up! competed with other small city cars such as the SEAT Mii, Škoda Citigo, and Hyundai i10.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Cross Up! 1.0 ASG, while not a performance icon, has proven to be a relatively reliable and economical vehicle. The CHYB engine is known for its durability, and the ASG transmission, while not without its quirks, has generally held up well over time. On the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient city car. Maintenance costs are generally low, thanks to the engine’s simple design and the widespread availability of spare parts. The Cross Up! represents a practical and sensible choice for urban commuters and first-time car buyers.
