Volkswagen has quietly concluded the production of its beloved Up city car, marking the end of an era that spanned 12 years since its debut. Although Volkswagen has not officially confirmed this news, reports from Autocar suggest that the final Up has rolled off the production line in Bratislava, Slovakia. While the model still appears available on VW’s official websites in select European markets like Germany, Italy, and France, industry experts anticipate that this availability will be limited to existing stock.
The Volkswagen Up, known for its compact design and affordability, has been a fixture in the European automotive landscape. Over the years, it has faced intermittent availability due to supply challenges and sustained demand. In Germany, the starting price for the internal combustion engine (ICE) version currently stands at €14,555 ($15,349), but prices have surged significantly in other markets, with the base model costing €19,400 ($20,468) in France. This price evolution reflects the shifting dynamics of the automotive market, as the Up’s base price in the UK rose from just £7,995 ($9,765) in 2011 to over £15,000 ($18,320) in 2023.
The discontinuation of the Up now leaves the Volkswagen Polo as the smallest and most affordable offering in Europe. However, Volkswagen enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting replacement in the form of an “all-electric SUV for the high-volume A-segment,” expected to commence production in 2026. This rumored model, known as the VW ID.1, is set to have a targeted starting price below €20,000 ($21,089), making it the most budget-friendly option in Volkswagen’s lineup.
The Volkswagen Up initially hit the scene in 2011 as a successor to the unassuming Fox, receiving a mid-lifecycle update in 2016. Notably, the fully electric e-Up made its debut in 2014 and received a facelift in 2019, which included a larger battery pack for an extended range. The Up GTi, boasting 114 horsepower (85 kW / 115 PS) from a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission, was the most potent version of this city car. Other noteworthy variants included the adventurous Cross Up and the eco-friendly CNG-powered eco Up.
The Up was part of the Volkswagen Group’s trio for the A-segment, alongside the closely related Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii, sharing underpinnings, interiors, and much of their exterior design. However, the Volkswagen Up is the last remaining member of this trio, as both the Skoda and Seat ceased production in 2020.
