Volkswagen Up I facelift (2016 – 2023)

Reliability score : 8.8/10

The first-generation Volkswagen Up! received a facelift (Phase 2) in 2016. This facelift brought redesigned bumpers, mirrors integrating turn signals, new LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned infotainment system based on smartphone integration (Maps + More). Crucially, this Phase 2 marked the arrival of the 90 hp 1.0 TSI turbocharged engine, transforming this purely urban city car into a versatile vehicle, followed in 2018 by the lively 115 hp GTI version. In 2019, the electric e-Up! version received a major battery update (increasing from 18.7 kWh to 32.3 kWh usable), doubling its range. The Up! remains one of the most accomplished A-segment city cars, offering road handling worthy of the segment above and excellent overall reliability thanks to the maturity of its EA211 family en

✅ Strengths

Remarkable interior space for a 3.60 m vehicle
Very sound and safe road handling (worthy of the B-segment)
Overall reliability of gasoline engines (well-proven EA211 family)
e-Up! 2.0 version (32.3 kWh) offering an unbeatable price/range ratio on the used market
Serious assembly quality despite hard plastics
Enjoyment and versatility of the 1.0 TSI 90 hp engine

⚠️ Weaknesses

ASG5 automated manual gearbox is slow, unpleasant, and less reliable than a manual gearbox
Light sound insulation on the highway (wind and road noise)
'Maps + More' infotainment system dependent on smartphone (VW app is no longer optimally updated)
Hard interior plastics, prone to scratches
Standard equipment sometimes sparse on entry-level trims

🎯 Verdict

The facelifted Volkswagen Up! (2016-2023) is an excellent choice on the used market. It has corrected the minor teething problems of Phase 1 and offers extremely reliable engines. The 1.0 MPI engine (60 or 65 hp) is perfect and indestructible for urban use. If you venture outside the city, the 90 hp 1.0 TSI is the best buy, transforming the Up! into a true small road car. The electric e-Up! version (especially post-2019 with the larger battery) is one of the best electric city cars on the used market. One golden rule: avoid the ASG5 automated manual gearbox, always prefer the manual gearbox.

Common issues

Problèmes de boîte de vitesses ASG (automatisée) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 200 – 2 500 € (remplacement actionneur ou embrayage)

Privilégier la boîte manuelle ou tester l'ASG à froid et à chaud.

Fuites de liquide de refroidissement / Pompe à eau Medium

🔧 90 000 – 140 000 km

💶 300 – 600 €

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau de liquide et l'absence de traces.

Corrosion du système d'échappement (silencieux arrière) Low

🔧 100 000 – 160 000 km

💶 200 – 450 €

Inspecter l'échappement, surtout si le véhicule roule en ville ou en zone humide.

Défaillance des bobines d'allumage Low

🔧 80 000 – 130 000 km

💶 150 – 350 € (pour une ou plusieurs)

Attention aux à-coups moteur ou voyant moteur allumé.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£300 – 750
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£500 – 1 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.