The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen from 2011 to 2016. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Up! aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation, particularly in densely populated urban environments. This article focuses on the 1.0-liter, 75 horsepower (Hp) version equipped with the Automated Shift Gearbox (ASG), a dual-clutch transmission. 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. It represented Volkswagen’s attempt to offer a truly budget-friendly option within its lineup.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! was conceived as a modern, minimalist city car, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of parking. The 1.0-liter engine, coupled with the ASG transmission, offered a balance between performance and economy. The ASG, while not a fully automatic transmission in the traditional sense, provided automated gear changes, enhancing convenience for urban driving. The Up! was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to different customer needs. Its compact size and nimble handling made it a popular choice for navigating narrow city streets.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG is a naturally aspirated, 999 cubic centimeter (60.96 cu. in.) inline three-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 75 Hp at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine is surprisingly responsive for its size, offering adequate performance for city driving. The power-to-weight ratio is 12.4 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.8 kg/Nm. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and meets Euro 5 emission standards. The ASG transmission, a 5-speed automated manual gearbox, allows for both automatic and manual gear selection via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles (depending on the trim level). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.2 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 171 km/h (106.25 mph).
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, characterized by its clean lines and relatively spacious interior for its size. The design prioritizes functionality and efficiency. The vehicle seats four passengers comfortably, although rear legroom can be limited. The Up!’s trunk space ranges from 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 951 liters (33.58 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down, providing ample cargo capacity for a city car. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Up!’s small turning circle of 9.8 meters (32.15 ft) makes it exceptionally maneuverable in tight spaces. The kerb weight of 932 kg (2054.71 lbs) contributes to its nimble handling. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3540 mm (139.37 in.) in length, 1645 mm (64.76 in.) in width, and 1489 mm (58.62 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2420 mm (95.28 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG |
| Start of production | October, 2011 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 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 | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| 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 oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| 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) |
| Length | 3540 mm (139.37 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) ASG, while not a performance car, offered a practical and efficient solution for urban transportation. Its compact size, fuel economy, and automated gearbox made it a popular choice in Europe, demonstrating Volkswagen’s ability to create a compelling entry-level vehicle. Although never officially available in the US market, the Up! represents an interesting example of a small, efficient city car designed for the demands of modern urban life.
