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 the European market, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107. This article focuses on the 1.0-liter, 60 horsepower version equipped with the ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) transmission, a popular configuration within the Up! range.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! represented Volkswagen’s attempt to create a truly minimalist and affordable vehicle. Its design prioritized fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. The ASG transmission, a five-speed automated manual, offered a degree of convenience without the cost of a traditional automatic gearbox. The Up! was available in both three-door and five-door configurations, catering to different customer needs. It’s important to note that the Up! was designed with a modular platform, allowing for potential future variations and electric versions, a path Volkswagen would later explore with the e-Up!
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG is a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter (60.96 cubic inches) gasoline engine. This engine produces 60 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 70.07 lb.-ft. of torque between 3000-4300 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine is characterized by its responsiveness and efficiency. The power-to-weight ratio of 15.5 kg/Hp allows for adequate, if not brisk, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 14.5 seconds, and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) is achieved in 15.3 seconds. The Up! has a top speed of 99.42 mph (160 km/h). The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection and meets Euro 5 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact. Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 53.5 US mpg (64.2 UK mpg or 4.4 l/100 km), and CO2 emissions of 103 g/km.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, available with either three or five doors. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively tall, narrow profile, maximizing interior space within a small footprint. The interior is functional and minimalist, focusing on essential features. Safety features, even in this entry-level segment, were considered. The Up! included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, and higher trim levels offered additional safety equipment. The interior offers seating for four passengers, although rear space is limited, as is typical for vehicles in this class. The trunk (boot) space ranges from 8.86 cubic feet (251 liters) with the rear seats up to 33.58 cubic feet (951 liters) with the rear seats folded down, providing reasonable cargo capacity for its size. The electric power steering contributes to ease of maneuverability, and the turning circle of 32.15 feet (9.8 meters) is particularly advantageous in urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (60 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 103 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 | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| 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) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 932 kg (2054.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 358 kg (789.25 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) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3540 mm (139.37 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Rear track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
