The Volkswagen up! range was introduced in early 2015, and is another of those models that the marketing types around the globe have deemed necessary to name with a non-capital letter! So instead of the more logical “Up”, this baby VW is called the “up! “, complete with an exclamation mark! This sounds great in strategy meetings notable for their proliferation of Armani suits, but makes writing about such a product (and reading it!) a challenge!
A quick up! time-line
Enough non-essential exclamation marks for now. The little up! came initially in a 3-door version only, and with a 1,0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine endowed with 55 kW. Engine-wise, nothing has changed on the range since then. Fuel consumption was claimed at 4,7 litres/100km.
VWSA positioned the up! below both the Polo and Polo Vivo ranges, and the entry model Take up! was initially priced at R133 500.
Along came a 5-door
In May 2016 a 5-door model up! was introduced, along with some so-called “lifestyle” models (i.e more gizmos, more expensive). At this time it was also announced that the up! range had sold some 3 500 units in the 14 months since its launch, which was good going.
Late 2016 Facelift
In late 2016 a facelift was announced that included daytime-running LED lights, a re-styled bonnet, new wheels and a revised interior with an enhanced infotainment system.
Today a Take-up entry level model costs R180 900, which illustrates how much the rand has devalued in the past five years, as the entry-level up! has not changed much in essence since February 2015.
If you are keen on buying a used up! ( notice how how silly that sounds!) you might like to peruse our listings of some 360
Related: Shop new and Used Volkswagen up!s
Changing the wiper blades on a Volkswagen up!
Replacing the wiper blades on your VW up! is a maintenance chore that you can easily do yourself. And happily the up! has an extremely easy-to-use release and re-mounting system for replacement blades.
You will know when the blades need replacing, as each wipe will leave streaks on the screen and may result in a squeaky sound or shuddering from the blades. The action of good-condition blades should be smooth and virtually silent. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
Step-by-step
1. Make sure that you purchase the correct replacement blades for your up! All models take the same blades. If you buy them from a VW dealership you can quote the VIN. If you buy blades from a spares shop, it’s a good idea to arrive there with your up! so you can compare them before installing them.
2, It’s probably easier to start with the passenger-side blade, as this one is nearer to the side of the car. Flip the wiper arm up slightly, and identify the release button on top of the blade.
4. You will see that the blade separates easily from the wiper arm, with no twisting or fiddling with hidden catches needed.
6. Push the new blade home on the arm until you hear it click into place.
7. Repeat the exercise with the driver’s side blade.
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2017 Volkswagen Move Up! 5-door 1.0 - Video Review