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Volkswagen Up!: engines, trims and what to know when buying
Volkswagen Up! — the smallest city car from the group, produced from 2011 to 2023 and joined by twins Seat Mii and Škoda Citigo. We look at the engines, gearboxes, trims and what to check before buying a used Up!
Up! in brief
Up! was designed as a compact city car with 3 or 5 doors. Its length is around 3.6 m, making it easy to park in tight spots, yet it can still seat four people. Its main rivals were the Toyota Aygo and its siblings.
The car was made in one generation, but during production it was updated, and alongside petrol versions came the electric e-up! and a CNG variant. Thanks to its light weight and simple tech, the Up! is praised for its low running costs.
Which version to choose
Most Up! models sold in Lithuania have a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 60 or 75 hp. This is the simplest and cheapest option for city driving, but don't expect to race with it — acceleration is modest, and the engine works hard on the motorway.
After the 2016 update, the 1.0 TSI with a turbocharger (around 90 hp) appeared, and the sporty Up! GTI has around 115 hp. These variants are much livelier, but there are fewer used examples and they command higher prices.
The electric e-up! is best for short daily commutes: early models had a smaller battery, but later (around 2020) a larger capacity battery was offered, increasing the range.
Engines and gearboxes
Main engines — 1.0 MPI (60 and 75 hp), 1.0 TSI (around 90 hp), GTI version — around 115 hp, plus the 1.0-litre Eco Up! version (around 68 hp) and the electric e-up!
Most cars come with a 5-speed manual gearbox — it's the simplest and most reliable. Some Up! models have the automated ASG gearbox, which jerks and is less popular. If you're buying one, make sure to test drive it on the road.
What to check when buying a used Up!
The automated ASG gearbox should shift without harsh jolts; excessive jerking or error messages could indicate an expensive repair. Check the manual gearbox for noise and clutch slippage.
Ensure the engine runs smoothly when cold, there are no oil leaks, and maintenance has been done on time. The interior plastics are a bit hard — check for scratches, and for the petrol version, only consider those with valid tank documents.
For the electric e-up!, ask for a battery condition report and check what type of charger is included.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common trims found in Europe.
take up!
All yearsBase trim — basic and the most affordable.
- Often — steel wheels
- Basic interior with no large screen
- Often — no air conditioning
move up!
All yearsThe most popular choice — a good balance of price and comfort.
- Often — air conditioning and central locking
- More interior trim details
- Often — phone holder (maps + more)
high up!
All yearsHigher trim level with more comfort
- Often — lightweight alloy wheels
- Often — fog lights and heated seats
- Often — climate control
cross up!
All yearsHigher, 'all-rounder' styling with protective details
- Specific bumpers and wheel arch trims
- Often — exterior decorative elements
- Different interior design
up! GTI
post-2018Sporty version with a more powerful engine
- 1.0 TSI, around 115 hp
- Sporty suspension setup
- Specific GTI trim and seats
Trim comparison
| take up! | move up! | high up! | up! GTI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Budget city car | Daily driving | City comfort | Driving pleasure |
| Wheels (most common) | 14–15 inch | 14–15 inch | 15–16 inch | 16–17 inch |
| Interior | Basic | Basic with extra kit | More comfort | GTI trim, sport seats |
| Engine | 1.0 MPI, 60 hp | 1.0 MPI, 60–75 hp | 1.0 MPI or TSI | 1.0 TSI, around 115 hp |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Premium |
For most buyers, the best choice is to move up to a model with the 1.0 engine and manual gearbox. The GTI is worth considering if you're after something fun, yet still small and practical.
Pros
- Very compact — easy to park
- Low running costs
- Wide range of engines, including electric
- Simple, well-known technology
Cons
- Engine lacks power, not great for long journeys
- The automated ASG gearbox can be lacking
- Robust interior plastics
Frequently asked questions
Is the Up! suitable for out-of-town trips?
It can handle motorways, but with a 60–75 PS engine, acceleration is slow, and there's more noise. For longer trips, the TSI version is a better choice.
How do the Up!, Seat Mii, and Škoda Citigo differ?
These are essentially the same cars, differing mainly in styling, interior trim, and equipment levels. Parts are largely interchangeable.
Is it worth buying an electric e-up!?
If you drive short distances and need to charge daily, the e-up! is a great fit. When buying, check the battery condition and real-world range.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
