VW updates the Up with more power, sharper style


Volkswagen's diminutive Up city car gets a major update at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The exterior tweaks only slightly evolve the current hatchback's look, but a more powerful engine hides underneath the refreshed skin. The latest interior tech offers buyers greater smartphone connectivity, too.

The new Up TSI (the yellow model above) is the biggest mechanical improvement for the latest model thanks to a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 89 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. VW claims this city car's performance is on par with the original Golf GTI hot hatch, and the little mill scoots the Up to 62 miles per hour in 10 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph. Plus, the company asserts it gets the equivalent of about 54 miles per gallon on the European testing cycle. You can spot the TSI by looking for a small exhaust pipe sticking out of the rear.

VW's stylists give the Up's already modern design some slight tweaks for this refresh. The front bumper now has extra sculpting for some added visual flourish, and the headlights feature LED running lights. The side mirrors also get integrated turn signals. At the rear, the bumper has additional creases to differentiate from the current rather flat look, and there are new taillights. The changes aren't remarkably obvious, but they sharpen the hatchback's attractive shape.

Improved tech should make the refreshed Up a more useful place for drivers hustling around a busy city. Higher trim models get a new Composition Phone infotainment system with a 5.0-inch screen and smartphone integration. Drivers can pair their device with it via an app to display navigation, vehicle data, music, and more on their phone. There's also now a multi-function steering wheel and automatic climate control. For those wanting to enjoy some tunes on the road, the Up Beat adds a 300-watt BeatsAudio stereo with seven speakers.

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