VW Reveals the Refreshed Up, but it’s Still Not for U.S. Consumption

2016 Volkswagen Up! (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Here in the States, we are not privy to all Volkswagen has to offer. One such vehicle is the tiny Up, and today the automaker has revealed a refreshed version of its subcompact hatchback. Unfortunately, the model remains unavailable here in the states.

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The revamped Up underwent a mild refresh for the new year. These changes include new front and rear bumpers that, a new rear diffuser, mirror-integrated repeaters, new headlights with LED daytime running lights, and revised taillights. Sure, the look isn’t totally new, but the changes are significant enough to make the Up feel more refined.

The interior also gets a few tweaks for the new model year, albeit things remain mostly unchanged visually. The changes include a new Composition Phone radio and smartphone integration, an available 300-watt Beats audio system, a new Climatronic climate-control system, new ambient lighting, and more.

2016 Volkswagen Up! (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Under the hood, the Up also gains two new drive units. The big change is the introduction of a 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder that produces a respectable 88 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. While this powerplant doesn’t make the Up a hot-hatch as sprinting to 62 mph is still pretty slow at 10 seconds, but it is an improvement and not shabby for its class. This new engine joins the existing 59- and 74-horsepower versions of the 1.0-liter MPI engines. Also new is the e-Up, which uses an 80-horsepower electric motor.

This new-look Up will be available in the summer of 2016 in five trims. In ascending order from the base model to range-topper, the trims are as follows: Take Up, Move Up, High Up, Cross Up, and e-Up. Pricing details are not available yet, but VW should release them shortly.