Connected up!

Volkswagen's Compact Modelup!has undergone a minor change. The powertrain remains the same, featuring a lightweight 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine weighing under 70kg. It produces a maximum output of 75ps and a maximum torque of 95Nm, paired with a five-speed ASG single-clutch transmission.

The most notable feature of the new up! is its infotainment system, which enhances smartphone integration, allowing functions like navigation to be utilized via a dedicated app on your smartphone.

Specifically, the Volkswagen genuine infotainment system "Composition Phone" with a latest 5-inch color display is available as an option. By pairing and connecting with a smartphone via Bluetooth, users can access various functions based on the latest information, such as navigation and parking availability, through the dedicated Volkswagen "maps + more" app. Furthermore, it can be secured with a dedicated smartphone holder, and by connecting to a USB device, it allows for extended use without worrying about battery life.

The new up! dedicated app, Volkswagen "maps + more", was developed exclusively for up! owners. It offers navigation route guidance, vehicle driving data, and the ability to play music stored on your smartphone. Additionally, it includes a total of nine functions: free calls for emergency assistance and the customer center, assistance & customer center services, eco-driving advice via the Think Blue Trainer, and displays for the tachometer and water temperature.

Tilo Scholl, Representative Director of Volkswagen Group Japan, stated, "At Volkswagen, we always put people at the center as the 'people's car.' Especially with the smallest Volkswagen, the up!, we aim to make it a car that people can use with ease. And today, being able to use a car with ease requires connectivity." He added, "It's perfect for those who can't imagine their daily lives without a smartphone and want to stay connected even when in their car."

Enhanced Safety Features

When the up! was first released in 2012, it already featured City Emergency Brake (low-speed collision avoidance and mitigation braking), which was a rare standard feature for a compact car at the time and a key selling point. This feature continues to be standard on all new models.

Additionally, all models come standard with halogen headlights with LED position lamps (with height control), auto lights, rain sensors, and tire pressure warning lights. The higher-grade "high up!" model also includes static cornering lights, which improve visibility at intersections and alert pedestrians.

The exterior design has been updated with revised front and rear bumper shapes, increasing the overall length by 65mm, and a redesigned hood, partly to improve pedestrian impact protection. The headlights with LED position lamps, door mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear combination lamps, and rear diffuser have also been redesigned.

The interior offers four dash pad colors: Pixel Honey Yellow, Pixel Red, Pixel Neutral, and Black Cube, along with two trim color options. The dashboard surface treatment uses an IML (In-Mold Labeling) process, resulting in a lustrous finish with a sense of depth.

The up! also features interior ambient lighting for the first time, mounted below the dash pad. The newly designed seat covers have lines on the outer and center sections, color-coordinated with the dash pad.

Collaboration with beats and special two-tone editions also available

The model lineup for the Japanese market remains unchanged, with two grades: the "move up!" available in 2-door and 4-door versions, and its higher-grade "High up!" (4-door only).

In addition, two special edition models were launched concurrently with the announcement of the new model.

One is the "up! with beats," a collaboration with the audio brand "Beats." It features the "beats sound system," with a 300W, 8-channel power amplifier and digital processor, along with six speakers and a subwoofer, totaling seven speakers laid out throughout the vehicle. The interior is enhanced with a dedicated dash pad, door sill plates, and seats and steering wheel with ceramic accents, all designed to evoke the Beats aesthetic.

The "up! with beats" is based on the "move up!" and is available in a total of 600 units: 200 2-door models and 400 4-door models. The price is ¥1,723,000 for the 2-door and ¥1,923,000 for the 4-door.

The other is the "roof up!," based on the "high up!," featuring a two-tone finish for the body, roof, and door mirror covers. Limited to a total of 130 units: 60 in Tornado Red with a black finish, 40 in Deep Blue with Candy White, and 30 in Honey Yellow Metallic with black. The price is ¥2,049,000.

President Tilo Scholl commented, "As the smallest Volkswagen, the up! serves as an entry-level car for younger customers. At the same time, it meets the high quality demands of downsizers. Our mission and a key essence of the Volkswagen brand is to 'democratize' technology, including quality and safety, regardless of body size or segment."

Volkswagen move up! | Volkswagen Move Up!
Volkswagen high up! | Volkswagen High Up!
Body Dimensions | Length 3,610 x Width 1,650 x Height 1,495 mm
Wheelbase | 2,420 mm
Weight | (move up! 2-door) 930 kg (move up! 4-door / high up!) 950 kg
Engine | 999 cc Inline 3-cylinder
Compression Ratio | 10.5
Maximum Output | 55 kW (75 ps) / 6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque | 95 Nm (9.7 kgm) / 3,000-4,300 rpm
Transmission | 5-speed AT (5ASG)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear | (move up!) 175/65R14 (high up!) 185/55R15
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 22.0 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 4.6 meters
Seating Capacity | 4 people
Price | (move up! 2-door) ¥1,577,000 (move up! 4-door) ¥1,787,000 (high up!) ¥1,938,000

Volkswagen up! with beats | Volkswagen up! with beats
Body Dimensions | Length 3,610 x Width 1,650 x Height 1,495 mm
Wheelbase | 2,420 mm
Weight | (2-door) 930 kg (4-door) 950 kg
Engine | 999 cc Inline 3-cylinder
Compression Ratio | 10.5
Maximum Output | 55 kW (75 ps) / 6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque | 95 Nm (9.7 kgm) / 3,000-4,300 rpm
Transmission | 5-speed AT (5ASG)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear | 185/55R15
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 22.0 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 4.6 meters
Seating Capacity | 4 people
Body Colors | Pure White, Tornado Red
Limited Units | 2-door: 200 units (100 White, 100 Red), 4-door: 400 units (200 White, 200 Red)
Price | (2-door) ¥1,723,000 (4-door) ¥1,923,000

Volkswagen roof up! | Volkswagen Roof Up!
Body Dimensions | Length 3,610 x Width 1,650 x Height 1,495 mm
Wheelbase | 2,420 mm
Weight | 950 kg
Engine | 999 cc Inline 3-cylinder
Compression Ratio | 10.5
Maximum Output | 55 kW (75 ps) / 6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque | 95 Nm (9.7 kgm) / 3,000-4,300 rpm
Transmission | 5-speed AT (5ASG)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear | 185/55R15
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 22.0 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 4.6 meters
Seating Capacity | 4 people
Body Colors | Tornado Red x Black, Deep Blue x Candy White, Honey Yellow Metallic x Black
Limited Units | Tornado Red: 60 units, Deep Blue: 40 units, Honey Yellow Metallic: 30 units
Price | ¥2,049,000