The Volkswagen Up! (often stylized as up!) received a significant mid-life facelift in 2016, bringing sharper exterior styling, revised bumpers, new colors, and upgraded interior tech. The most notable addition was the introduction of the 1.0 TSI turbocharged engine, transforming the Up! from a strictly urban runabout into a capable highway cruiser. In 2018, the highly praised Up! GTI joined the lineup. The facelifted model ditched the built-in Navigon infotainment screen in favor of a smartphone cradle with the 'Maps + More' app integration. Renowned for its class-leading refinement, excellent packaging, and robust build quality, the Up! remains one of the most reliable and desirable A-segment city cars ever produced, sharing its platform with the Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii.
The facelifted Volkswagen Up! (2016-2023) is arguably the pinnacle of the internal combustion A-segment city car. It feels like a much larger car behind the wheel, offering exceptional refinement and stability. Buying Advice: - Best Buy: The 1.0 TSI (90 PS) manual is the sweet spot, offering incredible versatility. For pure city driving, the 1.0 MPI (60/65 PS) manual is virtually indestructible and very cheap to run. - Enthusiasts: The Up! GTI is a future classic, offering accessible fun without breaking the bank. - EV Buyers: The 2019+ e-up! (32.3 kWh) is one of the best used urban EVs on the market. - To Avoid: Absolutely avoid the ASG automated manual transmission. It ruins the driving experience and is a known reliability weak point.