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Volkswagen’s Subcompact Remains Valued in the Used Car Market Even After Production Ended in 2021. The Model Combines Low Consumption, 1.0 Turbo Engine with 105 hp, Simple Maintenance, and Contained Depreciation.
The Volkswagen up! left Brazilian production lines in April 2021 and, even so, remains coveted among used cars for delivering 105 hp in the turbo version and fuel consumption that reaches 16.1 km/l on the highway with gasoline.
According to the August 2025 reference of the Fipe Table, the final configuration — Xtreme 170 TSI 1.0 Flex, five-speed manual — is listed at R$ 71,790, a price that keeps it competitive in a market where new entry-level hatchbacks often exceed R$ 100,000.
The appeal combines efficiency, performance, and simple maintenance.
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End of Cycle and Volkswagen’s Industrial Strategy
Produced in Taubaté (SP) for seven years, the up! exited the scene to make way for the Polo Track.
At the time, Volkswagen stated that the decision was part of the portfolio renewal in Brazil, ending a journey that began in 2014 and was marked by energy efficiency awards.
The change repositioned the brand in the compact segment, but it did not diminish interest in the model in the used market.
1.0 TSI Engine and Manual Transmission: Above-Average Performance
Under the hood of the Xtreme version, the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with turbocharger and direct injection delivers 105 hp with ethanol (101 hp with gasoline) at 5,000 rpm and 16.8 kgfm of torque at just 1,500 rpm.
Weighing 1,001 kg in running order, the package results in a power-to-weight ratio of 9.5 kg/hp.
This setup ensures quick responses in urban use and good stamina on highways: the 0 to 100 km/h time is 9.4 s, and the top speed reaches 183 km/h, figures that keep the subcompact in a rare performance category for its size.
Meanwhile, the five-speed manual transmission, known for its short shifts, favors acceleration and responsiveness while also contributing to low consumption.
The calibration favors elasticity, helping to tackle climbs and overtakes without constant downshifts.
Measured Consumption and Energy Efficiency
The official consumption figures confirm its economic vocation. In urban conditions, the up! records 9.5 km/l with ethanol and 13.7 km/l with gasoline. On highways, the results increase to 10.4 km/l and 16.1 km/l, respectively.
During its sales period, these figures placed the hatch among the most efficient in the country, trailing only behind hybrids and some smaller aspirated engines.
Even against newer turbo engines, the efficiency remains competitive.
Compact Dimensions, Well-Resolved Space
The subcompact measures 3.64 m in length and has a 2.42 m wheelbase. In the last series sold, Volkswagen certified the model for four occupants.
Despite its size, the internal space is adequate for daily use. The trunk holds 285 liters, a volume higher than direct competitors and sufficient for shopping and light luggage.
The electric steering simplifies maneuvers in tight spaces, and the folding rear seat enhances versatility when transporting larger items.
Safety and Convenience Equipment
Even in its farewell, the Xtreme version offered a complete safety package for the category: four airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, and traction and stability controls.
Among the comfort and practicality items, there were parking sensors, fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels with diamond finish, air conditioning, and multimedia center with support for navigation apps.
However, there were recurring criticisms about the lack of rear electric windows, a point that stood out in the package.
Repairability and Maintenance Costs
The repairability index of Cesvi indicated the up! as the car with the lowest repair cost in its category after collisions, a characteristic that weighs in insurance and workshop bills.
Additionally, the robustness of the TSI package has been recognized by independent mechanics and owners due to its straightforward maintenance intervals and a design known for reliability.
Everyday experiences show in reports of prolonged use.
Leonardo Andrade, in a comment on the CPG portal, described the model as resilient and predictable in terms of costs.
“The Volkswagen up! is an excellent car, rarely breaks down. Mine, with 200,000 km, has only had one clutch and brake and oil kits changed, obviously. My friends also have it and say the same,” he stated.
According to Andrade, the durability of the powertrain and the simplicity of routine maintenance help explain why well-maintained units often have quick turnover in major capitals.
Used Car Market: Price, Supply, and Demand
In the used car market, the Fipe Table reference of R$ 71,790 for the Xtreme 170 TSI 1.0 Flex in August 2025 supports its valuation level.
In a scenario where new hatchbacks frequently exceed R$ 100,000, the acquisition cost benefits those seeking efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Dealerships and retailers report consistent demand, especially in the Southeast, with accelerated turnover of well-maintained examples and verified maintenance history.
Nevertheless, the competition for low-mileage units and up-to-date revisions pressures prices.
Items subject to natural wear, such as tires, brakes, and clutches, are on the radar of attentive buyers, who also value versions with a complete safety package and updated multimedia center.
Contained Depreciation in the Aftermarket
Between April 2021 and August 2025, the accumulated depreciation of the Xtreme version was around 14%, a figure lower than that observed in aspirated compact hatchbacks, whose depreciation usually exceeds 20% in the same period.
This difference reflects the project’s balance: sufficient power for daily use, low consumption, and favorable repairability.
This trio helps preserve resale value and reduces total ownership costs.
Why the up! Remains Relevant
The combination of a modern engine, comprehensive safety package, and rational proposition explains why the up! remains on the radar of those wanting to spend less without sacrificing performance.
In urban settings, the compact size facilitates coexistence, while energy efficiency and available torque at low RPM ensure agile driving.
For those aiming for a compact car with predictable maintenance and liquidity in the market, the signals remain positive.
With this technical setup, reputation for reliability, and prices still competitive in the Fipe Table, Volkswagen’s subcompact retains its place among the most sought after in the used segment.
For you, what would be the decisive factor for your purchase: fuel economy, the performance of the 1.0 TSI, or low depreciation in the aftermarket?
Tb tive problema no ar condicionado.
Parece ser cronico.
Quando procurei uma loja de manutencao de ar condicionado, coincidentemente tinha 3 ups na fila rss.
A Bobina do ar fica na parte de baixo do carro proxima ao parachoque. Se houver um batida, pode comprometer. E se nao houver batida, dura no maximo 100.000km
É uma manutencao de 400 a 600 reais.
Mas ainda acho q compensa ter um que esteja inteiro.
Tenho um 2018 cross. Só ando voando e faz 14,5 km/l.
É um otimo carro para ser o carro do dia a dia. Para ser o carro principal de uma familia é complicado devido ao espaco interno.
Avaliando stage 1 para o brinquedo ficar mais divertido.
Comprei por 52 mil há um ano.
Nao vejo melhor custo benefício no momento. Apesar de ter apenas 105 cavalos no alcool, por ser turbo anda muito. Ja tive carro 2.0 de 156cv que andava muito menos no transito da cidade.
Tive um ultim série, Extreme TSI 2021.
Não tive sorte. Teve problemas no câmbio e no ar condicionado. Vendi quando a garantia estava acabando. Andava muito.