The facelifted Volkswagen Up! has broken cover in Europe, and it introduces a new turbocharged TSI model. There’s still no sign of the GTI we reported on last month though, nor a proper automatic gearbox, which is one of the reasons it was withdrawn from the Australian market.
Overall, cosmetic refreshments for the 2017 Up! include new headlight graphics incorporating LEDs, redesigned rear LEDs and updated diffuser.
The interior has come in for a lot more attention, with the new corporate-style steering wheel and new climate control/ head unit graphics which benefit from the ‘in-mould labelling process’. New designs for the kicker panels and ambient light colours, depending which variant you choose, also feature. The Apple-like minimalism of the cabin has been retained.
Opening with a 55kW atmo 1.0-litre three-cylinder, the TSI variant adds a turbocharger for an additional 10kW for 65kW and 160Nm, or some 15 short of the expected GTI version. Nevertheless, the Turbo variant of the Up! is capable of 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds and a 185km/h top whack. Considering the size of the car we bet it feels faster than that.
Considering VW didn’t include a DSG or torque converter auto as part of its upgrades, it’s unlikely VW Australia will look into bringing it back. The sub B-segment car demographic seems to demand a competent self-shifting gearbox here.
