Is This the Japanese-Spec "up!"?

Following the debut of the 2-door version, Volkswagen held a test drive event for the "up!," its most compact model, in Düsseldorf. The company anticipates that this 4-door variant will account for over 50% of sales. The question arises: is the addition of two doors truly that significant?

Furthermore, for the first time, test drive vehicles equipped with the "ASG" semi-automatic gearbox were available. This combination of the 4-door model and ASG is precisely the specification expected for the Japanese market. With this in mind, I approached the test drive with renewed focus.



The interior space is as generous as ever. Thanks to a packaging design that positions the seating higher and encourages an upright posture, the front seats feel open and airy. The rear seats, in particular, offer ample headroom and legroom, free from any sense of confinement. There is enough space for two adults to sit comfortably and relaxed, perhaps even more so than in its larger sibling, the Polo.



However, the rear seats are designed for two occupants, with no center seat. Additionally, the rear windows are hinged at the top and only open slightly, which felt like a limitation. Even with the addition of rear doors, it seems that in its primary European markets, the rear seats are considered supplementary at best. In Japan, however, this could be a drawback for families considering its use.

The ASG Leaves You Wanting More

The engine lineup consists solely of a naturally aspirated, direct-injection 999cc three-cylinder unit, without turbocharging. Two power outputs are available: 75ps and 60ps, differing in their tuning. While the specifications might not suggest exhilarating performance, the engine's characteristic of delivering 90% of its 95Nm peak torque from as low as 2,000rpm allows for smooth acceleration without needing to depress the accelerator deeply. It also exhibits good pulling power at low speeds.



The ASG, which is the focus of attention, is essentially a single-clutch automated manual transmission where the clutch operation is handled by a machine. Consequently, there is a noticeable delay during gear changes, particularly between first and second gear, which can feel somewhat sluggish. While a slight lift of the accelerator, synchronized with the driver's intention, can significantly smooth out the shifts, both explanation and acclimatization are necessary.



The gear shifts are early, seemingly prioritizing fuel efficiency. There is no sport mode, and if dissatisfaction arises, manual shifting via the sequential gate is the only option, though the ample torque means it's rarely needed. In fact, it can be more bothersome to have the car downshift for even minor acceleration. I frequently encountered situations where I wished it would simply accelerate in the current gear, leveraging its inherent torque. In that sense, a driving mode selector, such as "Sport" and "Eco," would be desirable.

However, these are minor points. The car's performance exceeded expectations, leaving me wanting more. Its fundamental capabilities are more than sufficient.

Different from the Golf and Polo

The chassis performance is also commendable. Unlike the taut, muscular feel of the Golf or Polo, the ride here is light and agile. The suspension is soft, to the point where the car noticeably dips when a passenger occupies the front seat.

This results in a comfortable ride. Aided by the long wheelbase, it achieves a supple yet flat and pleasant driving experience. Even on surfaces like cobblestones, it seems to glide over them rather than forcefully pushing through. It offers a gentler character than the Golf or Polo, which is quite pleasing.

Yet, it is by no means weak. The underlying structure is exceptionally solid; despite its delicate appearance, it is far from flimsy.



Consequently, the handling stability is truly unwavering. On the Autobahn, even at its near-maximum speed of 160 km/h, it tracked perfectly straight without any sense of unease. Hard braking from that speed did not cause any instability. Yet, when encountering a series of corners, it demonstrated agile footwork. Body roll is well-controlled, allowing it to navigate through corners with stable composure.

Needless to say, it is equipped with a full suite of safety features. Notably, the "City Emergency Brake," which uses infrared lasers to monitor the road ahead and automatically applies the brakes to avoid a rear-end collision at speeds below 30 km/h, is offered as an option for the first time in this class. This is a crucial feature for compact cars, making its inclusion a truly commendable decision.

Japanese Cars in Peril!

To be perfectly honest, initially, I wasn't particularly impressed by its appearance or driving dynamics. The design struck me as too simple, and the interior, with its all-hard plastic surfaces, lacked a sense of premium quality. The driving experience also didn't immediately captivate me.

However, as I observed it more closely and drove it, my impression gradually improved. The seemingly minimalist design, with its elegant lines and meticulously crafted details, proved endlessly engaging. I found myself increasingly drawn to its drive, which allowed for confident exploration under a profound sense of security. The more I looked, the more I drove, the more I was captivated.



When the current Polo was released, there were comments like, "I might not need a Golf anymore." However, the up!'s character is different from that of the Golf and Polo. It doesn't present itself as a scaled-down version of the substantial Polo, either in its exterior, interior, or driving feel. Yet, the core of the car has clearly been developed with significant effort, time, and cost. Its priorities differ entirely from those of its Japanese rivals.

The up! is rumored to be introduced to Japan with a highly strategic price, one that could even sway Japanese car buyers. If it indeed arrives with a competitive price, it might cause a greater shock than the Polo's debut. I've heard that a certain Japanese manufacturer has already purchased an up! for research, conducted various tests, and subsequently thrown up their hands in despair.

Tatsuya Otani's "Volkswagen up!" Domestic Test Drive Review Here

Volkswagen up! Domestic Launch Event Here