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Geneva - Volkswagen will launch its new Up! at the 2016 Geneva auto show.
VW's smallest hatchback gains a new design, turbo power and enhanced tech.
VW South Africa says it's new Up! could arrive locally later in 2016 or early 2017. Local range and prices will be made available closer to its launch.
In Europe, the new range debuts at the same price despite offering more equipment.
Will VWSA follow suit?
Ahead of its launch at the Geneva show, here's 10 things you should know about VW's new Up!
Image gallery: 2016 Volkswagen Up!
1 It gains comprehensive upgrades
The Up! gains new body panels, colours, new wheels, enhanced equipment, a completely redesigned interior, upgraded infotainment system and a new turbo engine.
The audio system has also been enhanced with the addition of 'Beats by Dre'.
2 It receives turbo power on par with the first Golf GTI
The new turbocharged 1.0 TSI engine powering the Up! is capable of 66kW/160Nm. The three-cylinder engine is the first turbo unit for the Up! and is the most powerful motor available. It reaches 100km/h in 10 seconds and a top speed of 185km. According to VW: "This up! even strives to match the driving performance of the first Golf GTI."
Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 4.4 litres/100km with emissions of 102g/km.
The 1.0 normally aspirated three-cylinder unit continues to be offered in either 44kW and 55kW guise.
3 VW's improved the design
The Up! sports new bumpers, a rear diffuser, tweaked side-mirrors with integrated indicators and new head and tailights with LED daytime running lights.
4 It's headed for SA
Despite launching the current generation locally in 2015, the outgoing model has been on sale in Europe for several years, VW South Africa confirms the spruced Up! hatchback could arrive on our shores late in 2016 or early 2017.
5 There's extensive custom options
The new hatchback has extensive customisation - 13 body colours, three roof colours and ten dashboard decors.
There are also fresh seat designs available.
6 New smartphone integration
The upgraded hatchback gains new smartphone integration. According to VW: "Just connect the smartphone above the dashpad, pair via Bluetooth and it becomes an infotainment system with navigation system and on-board computer functions, via the Volkswagen app"
6 More sound - Beats by Dre
VW is also presenting its 'Up! beats' equipped with a 300W sound system – powered by BeatsAudio.
7 Loads of standard kit
In Europe, the entry level model, the 'take Up!', is available with LEDs (includes licence-plate lighting), side-mirror casings with integrated indicators, chromed strip between the headlights and remote-controlled central locking.
The gloss black centre console (with heating and ventilation controls; plus optional climate controls and radio) is framed by a narrow chromed strip.
8 Light and sound package
The latest Up! can be specified with VW's Light and Sight package (as well as rain sensors) and its fog lamps will now feature cornering lights.
9 Upgraded tech
Inside, it receives auto aircon and new ambient lighting in white, orange or blue, depending on the derivative.
10 The little Up! gains new audio systems
VW has upgraded the infotainment with the addition of a Composition system (a 3.1" monochrome display) and top-of-the-range Composition Phone system (5" colour display). Both of the systems feature a twin tuner, AUX connectivity and SD card slot.
The base system has a CD player, while Composition Phone has Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free function. The Composition Phone system offers a reversing camera, a first for the Up!
