Over and out for smallest Volkswagen, the Up may be retired

Bizarre number of Volkswagen Up’s sold in the Netherlands

The Volkswagen Up was produced in the same Slovak factory where the Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, among others, are also built. In the Netherlands, the importer has sold nearly 100,000 copies. The peak year was 2013 with 16,000 episodes. As of Wednesday, Jan. 25, the smallest Volkswagen is exclusively available from stock.

Production Up stopped, what about maintenance?

Of course, current Up drivers can continue to be serviced at the Volkswagen dealership. Also, the Up’s original parts will continue to be available. Customers who have maintenance performed at the Volkswagen dealership also receive free 24-hour mobility service.

Review of the Volkswagen Up

Back in 2007, Volkswagen showed a study model for a new model in the A-segment. Notable detail: the cheerful-looking little car would get the engine in the back, just like the Beetle at the time. Connoisseurs were in agreement about the Up designation: the two letters were an obvious reference to the name Lupo, which Volkswagen had been using for its smallest until then. The study model already clearly hinted at the appearance of the production version.

Market launch Up in 2011

The Up entered the market in 2011, exclusively in three-door versions. The Up was the first in its segment to be available with City Emergency Braking. Also very progressive at the time: the Personal Infotainment Device with smartphone integration to control navigation, information and entertainment functions. Also saved the necessary cost.

Five-door Volkswagen Up

The five-door version followed in early 2012. The Cross Up was a particular outlier. It stood out for its rugged off-road appearance: it stood higher on its wheels and the body was adorned and protected by robust plastic parts. Several special versions of the VW Up have appeared, such as the Groove Up, Beats Up, White Up and Black Up. Volkswagen even provided a commercial vehicle version of the Up with two seats and a larger cargo area: the Cargo Up.

Volkswagen Up GTI

In 2017, the long-awaited Up GTI appeared. That one had a power output of 85 kW/115 hp and it weighed less than 1,000 kg. With all these features, it was reminiscent of the very first Golf GTI.

Electric Volkswagen e-Up

In 2013, the electric e-Up hit the market. The first version had a range of 130 kilometers. The latest version could drive as much as 250 kilometers on a full charge of electricity. Along with the e-Golf, the e-Up led the way for Volkswagen’s electric future. A successor to the Up is not planned, but the brand has pledged to come out with an affordable EV around 2025. At least the Up’s book is now closed. Time’s up…