The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by Volkswagen from 2011 to 2016. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Up! aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation, particularly in European urban environments. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! represents Volkswagen’s commitment to compact, fuel-efficient vehicles and served as a key model in their European lineup. This article details the 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) ASG variant, focusing on its technical specifications and characteristics.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) ASG: An Overview
The Up! was conceived as a modern, minimalist city car, designed to be easy to maneuver and park in congested urban areas. The 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) ASG version, equipped with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and an automated manual transmission (ASG – Automated Shift Gearbox), was a popular choice for its balance of fuel economy and usability. The ASG transmission, while not a traditional automatic, offered the convenience of automatic shifting without the complexity and cost of a full automatic gearbox. The Up! competed with other city cars like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) ASG is a 999 cc (60.96 cubic inches) inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and boasts a power-to-liter ratio of 75.1 hp/l. While not designed for outright speed, the engine provides adequate power for city driving and short trips. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.9 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.2 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 172 km/h (106.88 mph). A key selling point of this model is its fuel efficiency. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l), with urban consumption at 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 95 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations. Its design prioritizes functionality and efficiency. The vehicle’s small footprint makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The interior is designed to be simple and practical, with seating for four passengers. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, expanding from a minimum of 251 liters (8.86 cu ft) to a maximum of 951 liters (33.58 cu ft). Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Up!’s relatively lightweight construction – with a kerb weight of 931 kg (2052.5 lbs) – contributes to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The electric power steering further enhances maneuverability. The ASG transmission provides a degree of automated convenience, although it is not as smooth as a traditional automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 BMT (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) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 95 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 | 172 km/h (106.88 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm, 102 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 | 931 kg (2052.5 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 369 kg (813.51 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.) |
| Front track | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 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 |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) ASG, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for urban drivers in Europe. Its compact size and nimble handling made it a popular choice for navigating crowded city streets.
