The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen. Introduced in 2011, the Up! was designed as a modern, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle aimed at the urban driving environment. The model underwent a significant facelift in 2016, introducing updated styling, improved equipment, and a new engine option – the 1.0 TSI. This version, producing 90 horsepower, became a popular choice in European markets, offering a balance of performance and economy. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! represents Volkswagen’s commitment to compact, efficient vehicles for densely populated areas.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0 TSI (90 Hp)
The 2016 facelift of the Volkswagen Up! brought a refreshed look and enhanced features to the already popular city car. The 1.0 TSI variant, equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, offered a significant performance upgrade over the naturally aspirated models. This engine provided a more responsive driving experience, making the Up! suitable for both city commutes and occasional highway journeys. The facelift also included improvements to the interior, with updated infotainment systems and trim materials.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Up! 1.0 TSI is a 999cc inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the CHZA engine code. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 90 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpm and 160 Nm (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. This translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 90.1 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and drives the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in a calculated 9.4 seconds. The Up! 1.0 TSI boasts a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg or 64.2 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 101 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations, seating up to four passengers. Its dimensions are relatively small, measuring 3600 mm (141.73 in) in length, 1641 mm (64.61 in) in width, and 1504 mm (59.21 in) in height. The wheelbase is 2407 mm (94.76 in). The design prioritizes practicality and efficiency, with a focus on maximizing interior space within a small footprint. The facelift brought subtle styling updates, including revised front and rear bumpers, new headlight designs, and updated interior trim. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver and passenger airbags. The interior offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, and the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The Up! also features electric power steering and a five-speed manual transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 TSI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| 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) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 101 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5000-5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 90.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHZA |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 927 kg (2043.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1360 kg (2998.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 433 kg (954.6 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 959 l (33.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3600 mm (141.73 in.) |
| Width | 1641 mm (64.61 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1910 mm (75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2407 mm (94.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1412-1428 mm (55.59 – 56.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1408-1424 mm (55.43 – 56.06 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14; 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14; 5.5J x 15 |
