Volkswagen will introduce a facelifted version of the up! in South Africa early in 2017, but before that 5-door, crossover and individualised models will join the model lineup.

Volkswagen will use the Geneva Motor Show (3 to 13 March 2016) to showcase a facelifted up! with a host of updates including visual, mechanical and technological changes. Since being launched in South Africa, the up! has sold well and it was a finalist in the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards as one of the best budget cars in Mzansi. This facelifted model buildson an already excellent product and the improvements will certainly be welcomed by buyers.

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted up! can be expected to arrive in the local market by the first quarter of 2017.Prior to the arrival of the facelifted up!, Volkswagen will introduce new 5-door versions of the up! in May 2016 in the form of the Cross up!crossover and the eye-catching, highly-personalisable Colour up!, which will diversify and bolster the up! range significantly.

Exterior changes

Styling changes include revised front and rear bumpers as well as redesigned headlights with LED daytime running lights. The side mirrors integrate the turn signals and the rear features a new diffuser and modified taillights. Buyers can choose between 13 body colours, nine different decals, three roof colours, coloured wheels, ambient lighting and design and colour packs.

On the inside, the facelifted up! gains two new infotainment systems including a 3.1-inch monochrome display as well as a 5-inch colour display that integrates with your smartphone. The system also caters for a rear camera and comes with DAB+ digital radio functionality. Furthermore, a 300 W Beats Audio system is also fitted with seven speakers. This is also the first up! to feature Pure Air Climatronic automatic air conditioning.

New engine

One of the main reasons people consider the up! is because it returns excellent fuel economy and this facelifted model is fitted with a new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine that is claimed to achievea decent 4.4 L/100km with a range of 800 km. The new engine produces 66 kW and 160 Nm of torque, representing a major improvement over the current 55 kW / 95 Nm three-cylinder unit with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100km. The facelifted up! is said to be capable of completing the 0–100 kph sprint in 10 seconds and go on to a top speed of 185 kph.

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