2019 was a hectic year for Volkswagen. Proof of this were the great novelties presented. First was the ID.3, the first of the new generation of electric from the German brand. Later the ID did. Space Vizzion, a relative expanding the family. And then came the e-UP update!, a model who dressed in his best clothes that raised the level of the urban segment.
Thus, we have a 100% electric vehicle that has managed to have a total response within the variant, and that the larger range of the ID.3 and ID.4 overshadowed the entire series. However, this new generation of the Volkswagen e-Up, originally born in 2009 and 2014, has become a bestseller. And the truth is that it is not surprising.
We are talking about a very high performance car, very warm when driving, a remarkable autonomy and what is better: the perfect springboard for those drivers who are encouraged and join the electrified generation for the first time after passing through traditional internal combustion.
Based on the same platform as its cousins Seat Mii electric and Skoda Citigo, Volkswagen carries out the same operation to resuscitate its urban model, now developing the 100% electric version that reinforces the brand’s commitment to mobility without emissions in the city. In these, the truth is that this newly developed version has nothing to do with the first Volkswagen E-UP prototype of 2009, which officially debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Among its most direct rivals are the Renault twingo electric, the FIAT 500e, the SEAT Mii electric or the Skoda Citigo.
- Guy: 100% electric
- Year of production: 2019
- Price: 20,000 euros
- Capacity: 4 seater
- Power: 61 kWh
- Autonomy: 260 km
- Acceleration: 11.9 seconds/ 100km / h
Design
When we talk about electric cars, we have to do it with vehicles that go beyond SUVs, SUVs, tall cars, of great volume … and do it, also, by more compact models, small, smaller and, in some cases, of reduced power. This is what happens, in all its expression, in cars like this Volkswagen e-Up!
At first, what is most striking is that we have fairly pronounced lines and in great harmony with the rest of the car. Yes indeed; It has nothing to do with others in the range or the electric series of the German firm. Although it is fully electric, there is a lot of distance between it and the ID.3 and ID.4.
For example, aesthetically it stands out for the presence of trim moldings in blue, in addition to the e-Up! On the front, it already had the new logo that the brand molded in 2019. Meanwhile, the daytime running light with LED technology acquires a C-shape, something already common in the electric series. The air inlets, meanwhile, have honeycomb-shaped grilles.
It is a car that measures 3.60 meters long, 1.65 wide and 1.49 high. As we can see, it is a design that actually comes from its previous generation with internal combustion engines, so it is a slight update. Even so, its image is current as it happens in its Seat Mii group alternatives.
Versions
Regarding its available versions, we have to say that the VW brand has decided to leave and put aside its combustion engines, and in this Up! more of the same. Therefore, and to focus on the purely electrical, the group chose to close the commercialization of this model in a version of internal combustion.
In this regard, the one that we counted until a few months ago was a vehicle that had a 1.0 engine, with TSI BlueMotion technology from 90 hp. Which, in principle, would make it somewhat more powerful than the electrified version. However, everything was pointed out by a completely new generation for this concept.
In these, the manufacturer continues to bet strongly on the continuity of models like this, a car that is now the only representative of the family in the Spanish market, where it will be offered only with the five-door bodywork and a full standard equipment. This one does it with powers of 61 kW, the equivalent of 83 hp, to which are added some batteries that do to give a good autonomy.
Motor and batteries
The Volkswagen e-Up! makes use of an electric motor of 60 kW that develops 82 CV of power, with a maximum torque of 210 Nm. The small electric from the German manufacturer can reach a maximum speed of 130 km / h, while its 18.7 kWh lithium-ion batteries give it an autonomy that, according to the homologation cycle, reaches the 260 kilometers with a full charge.
With these numbers the electric utility works perfectly between streets, with a smooth power delivery and progressive, but if we demand all the available power from it, it develops it decisively. Respond forcefully if the situation requires it and at no time will we feel that we are lacking in acceleration capacity.
To charge it, you only need four hours on a 7.2 kW connection for 80%. The required type 2 charging cable is included as standard. To charge at home, the subsidiary of the Elli Group (Electric Life) offers new Wallboxes called ID.Charger: the cheapest -399 euros- supplies a power of 7.2 kW.
Consumption
The e-Up! take advantage of all the virtues of Volkswagen cars. It is classy, efficient, equipped with the latest technologies used by the Wolfsburg brand and its interior is comfortable and practical, with space for four adults. In addition, 210 Nm of torque is delivered directly as soon as the accelerator is pressed, which means that it is a car that accelerate faster than many combustion models.
Hence, we also have 100% electricity with quite satisfactory consumption, especially according to its powers and the efficiency of its batteries, as we have seen. In this sense, it is important to clarify that it is a vehicle that is placed well below of its direct rivals such as Renault’s Twingo Electric or the Fiat 500e.
In those, and as another of the several similarities with the electric Seat Mii, this Up! maintains energy consumption levels that do not exceed 11.7 kwh / 100 km. In any case, as the brand indicates, it is possible to contain it and lower those records a bit, up to 11.3 kwh per 100 kilometers.
However, if we placed it in a comparison with nearby models, we would have it with some records better than the Mii but on par with (and even above) the Mitsubishi Mi i-Ev, which boasts figures of between 11.5 and 11.9 kW / 100km, or the Hyundai Ionic EV, the king of the list of the lowest consumption with barely 11.5 kW / 100km. That can be the usual maximum consumption of the Volkswagen a journey where the start and the destination are at a similar altitude and driving is normal (you can consume more driving at full speed, but it will probably not be usual).
Interior and finishes
And if there are few changes on the outside, the same happens inside the Volkswagen e-Up! He himself wears a new specific upholstery for the seats and a small central console on the dashboard, where the climate control is integrated, with an LCD screen, the radio and a holder to place the smartphone.
Offers enough space in relation to its exterior size, which allows it to accommodate 4 adults. We do not find great concessions to luxury such as upholstered in leather or more noble materials, but the build quality is good in general terms.
In addition, and if we move to its trunk, we can see that its capacity is 251 liters, a figure that increases to 959 in the case of folding the rear seats, something that can be carried out in a 40:60 ratio. For its part, all seats have occupancy detection. The front ones, in turn, are the ones with integrated head restraints. Of these two, the driver’s has height adjustment.
equipment
One of the most striking aspects of this Volkswagen is its great equipment, with the most advanced technology and great safety assistants to make your driving even more enjoyable. Don’t be fooled by her little looks, with the e-Up! nothing will resist you as you pass through the city.
Despite being a small car, it is equipped with numerous assists to driving, such as the involuntary lane departure warning, cruise control or speed limiter, all of which are standard. With regard to technological and comfort equipment, it has air conditioning, integrated sound system, USB port, Bluetooth connection and multifunction steering wheel.
As an alternative to the standard, the most basic level, we have the equipment Style. This is a higher level, but it doesn’t change anything about it either. It is the one that adds additional elements such as chrome on the outside, front sports seats with central seat bands, leather steering wheel and gear lever knob or interior ambient lighting.
Additional features
Whenever the driver wishes, the Style level can be complemented with extras in aspects such as the digital dashboard. This time it’s a head-up display with augmented reality to interpret navigator signals and key vehicle data. This is seen with the augmented reality functions, which will interact with an interior light band to warn of dangers or help direct the driver.
Given this, we can also add a distinctive element such as the compatibility of the multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although this Volkswagen e-Up! it does not allow to receive remote updates, it does because we can integrate internet connectivity.
Maintenance
If we are used to conventional cars, we have to know that these purely electric cars do not suffer so much wear, so this will be quite less. In the case of this Volkswagen e-Up !, the same thing happens. Electric motors do not need a cooling system like combustion, but they do need refrigeration and therefore it is also necessary to change the coolant.
In the case of electric cars, it is true that degrades less and it is not responsible for keeping the engine cold but other parts in which the heat affects its performance. This, mainly, in the equipment where changes are made to the direct current stored in the batteries and the alternating current that the motors consume and generate.
Thus, and according to the figures that the company manages, the owner can save up to 840 euros per year in operating costs, especially since he does not need oil changes or filters. Yes indeed; nor is it that we don’t have to do anything to them. Like anything, they need your care. For this reason, the firm recommends sending it for review. every 10,000 kilometers to check the different levels of tires, cabin filters, brushes, brake fluid …
Guarantee
When we buy a new car the manufacturer is required by law to offer a two-year warranty. From the date of registration and with no mileage limit, the brand is obliged to repair manufacturing defects and mechanical, electrical and electronic breakdowns of the vehicle free of charge, unless they are due to wear and tear on the parts. This is what is known as a legal guarantee.
In parallel, dealerships often offer a additional commercial warranty for several more years: 3, 5, 7 or up to 10. As a general rule, new services are added to make it more attractive for the user (roadside assistance, replacement vehicle, maintenance coverage, etc.) but it can also be reduced to aspects concrete (body corrosion, specific repairs …)
There, that of Volkswagen is the same for all its models, whether they are the e-Up !, the Golf hybrids, ID.3 … Thus, the group maintains an official guarantee of two years, 24 months extendable up to 48 months (4 years). In what has to do with batteries, this one does it with a time of 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.