The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen from 2012 to 2016. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Up! aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation, particularly in densely populated urban environments. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107. This article focuses on the 1.0-liter, 60 horsepower version of the Up!, detailing its specifications, design, and place within the Volkswagen lineup.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (60 Hp): Overview
The Up! represented Volkswagen’s attempt to create a truly minimalist and cost-effective vehicle. It was designed with a focus on fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and ease of parking – all crucial attributes for city driving. The 1.0-liter engine variant, producing 60 horsepower, was a popular choice due to its balance of performance and economy. The Up! was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, offering flexibility to suit different customer needs. It’s important to note that the Up! was a key component of Volkswagen’s strategy to offer a vehicle across a broad price spectrum.
Engine & Performance
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter (999 cm3 or 60.96 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine produces 60 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000-4300 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for urban driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.4 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.7 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The engine utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system and meets Euro 5 emission standards. A key characteristic of this engine is its fuel efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg or 62.8 UK mpg), with urban consumption at 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 105 g/km.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, designed with a focus on maximizing interior space within a small footprint. It’s available with either three or five doors, offering varying levels of practicality. The interior is simple and functional, prioritizing usability over luxury. Safety features, even in this entry-level segment, were considered. The Up! included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s compact dimensions – a length of 3540 mm (139.37 in.), a width of 1645 mm (64.76 in.), and a height of 1489 mm (58.62 in.) – make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and park in congested city streets. The wheelbase measures 2420 mm (95.28 in.). Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 951 liters (33.58 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Up! has a kerb weight of 929 kg (2048.09 lbs.) and a maximum weight of 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 105 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 | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.5 kg/Hp |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYA |
| 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 oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 929 kg (2048.09 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 361 kg (795.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 951 l (33.58 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3540 mm (139.37 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (60 Hp) offered a practical and economical solution for urban transportation in Europe. While not sold in the US market, it represented Volkswagen’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient vehicles to a broad range of consumers. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a popular choice for city dwellers.
