VW Up! ASG Transmission Review: Real-World Pros & Cons

The Volkswagen Up! stands out in the crowded city car segment for its premium feel, agile handling, and surprising refinement. Equipped with the ASG automated manual transmission, it promises effortless driving in congested urban environments while boosting fuel efficiency. However, real-world testing reveals a mixed picture, where theoretical advantages clash with tangible driving frustrations.

Introduction to the Volkswagen Up! and ASG Technology

Designed primarily for inner-city navigation, the VW Up! combines a lightweight chassis with a compact 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 59bhp in base models like the Move trim. The ASG (Automated Shift Gearbox) is essentially an automated version of the standard five-speed manual, controlled electronically without a traditional torque converter. This setup adds approximately £595 to the vehicle’s price, positioning it competitively against rivals like the Citroen C1’s similar option at £500.

Volkswagen introduced the ASG to cater to drivers who prioritize ease over manual control in stop-start traffic, a common scenario for city dwellers. On paper, it delivers enhanced economy at 64.2mpg—1.4mpg superior to the manual variant—and reduced CO2 emissions of 103g/km, down 3g/km from the stick-shift model. These figures make it appealing for fleet operators and eco-conscious buyers seeking low running costs.

Performance and Efficiency Breakdown

In laboratory conditions, the ASG shines with its frugal consumption and green credentials. The 1.0-liter engine sips fuel efficiently, aided by the gearbox’s ability to optimize shift points for maximum economy. Real-world tests confirm respectable returns, particularly in mixed urban-highway cycles, where the Up! ASG often exceeds 60mpg under moderate driving.

This table illustrates the modest but meaningful improvements, sourced from contemporary road tests. For context, these stats were benchmarked around 2013 pricing, with the Move Up! ASG starting at about £10,170. Adjusted for inflation and market evolution, it remains a budget-friendly option in the used market.

Urban Driving Experience: Convenience or Chore?

City driving is where the ASG should excel, freeing the driver from constant clutch work. Yet, the absence of a creep function proves problematic. Unlike conventional automatics, the Up! requires a deliberate throttle press to initiate movement from standstill, resulting in jerky progress at low speeds. This jittery behavior disrupts smooth crawling in traffic queues or parking maneuvers, demanding more attention than anticipated.

• No automatic creep: Must manually apply throttle, leading to abrupt starts.
• Stop-start adaptation: Gearbox disengages quickly but re-engagement feels hesitant.
• Urban fuel savings: Still achieves high mpg in congestion due to optimized shifting.

Reviewers note that while the base Up! chassis offers nimble handling and a quiet cabin, the ASG undermines this poise, making it less intuitive for novice drivers or those in dense traffic.

Highway and Overtaking Dynamics

Beyond city limits, the ASG exposes further limitations. Shift speeds are sluggish, with noticeable pauses during gear changes that sap momentum. Manual override via the gear lever allows paddle-less intervention, but responses remain lethargic—upshifts and downshifts alike lag behind driver inputs.

Hard acceleration amplifies issues: a significant power dip occurs mid-shift, as the engine drops to low revs before the next gear engages. Braking scenarios fare worse, with delayed downshifts preventing effective engine braking and forcing reliance on the brakes alone. Top Gear’s assessment echoes this, deeming the combination mismatched for a car otherwise proficient on faster roads.

Despite these flaws, the Up!’s lightweight construction (under 900kg) ensures adequate cruising at motorway speeds, with wind noise well suppressed. Fuel economy holds steady above 55mpg on longer runs, bolstering its appeal for commuters.

Interior Quality and Practicality

The Up! punches above its weight in build quality, featuring solid plastics, intuitive controls, and a spacious cabin for four adults. The ASG selector—a simple joystick-style lever—integrates seamlessly, flanked by a clear digital display showing gear selection and economy metrics.

Boot space measures 251 liters, expandable to 959 liters, competitive in class. Features in higher trims like High Up! include air conditioning, Bluetooth, and alloy wheels, enhancing comfort without compromising efficiency. Fleet tests praise its low whole-life costs, ideal for high-mileage urban fleets.

Cost of Ownership and Reliability

Running costs favor the ASG variant thanks to superior economy and emissions, potentially qualifying for lower benefit-in-kind taxes. Insurance groups remain low (around group 1-2), and servicing intervals stretch to 12,000 miles or annually. Used examples from 2013-2018 eras hold value well, often available under £5,000 with service history.

Reliability is a strong suit for VW city cars, though ASG units may require occasional actuator maintenance. YouTube walkthroughs demonstrate straightforward servicing, with components like the clutch actuator accessible without full disassembly.

Competitor Comparison

Against peers like the Citroen C1 or Toyota Aygo with similar automatics, the Up! ASG offers superior refinement but lags in transmission smoothness. Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii siblings share the platform, providing identical ASG options at varying prices.

This lineup underscores the Up!’s premium positioning.

Pros and Cons Summary

• Pros: Excellent fuel economy, low emissions, high-quality interior, agile chassis.
• Cons: Jerky low-speed behavior, slow shifts, no creep function, power interruptions.

Who Should Buy the VW Up! ASG?

Ideal for budget-conscious urbanites valuing economy over dynamic driving. Avoid if smooth automatic shifts are essential—opt for manual or full torque-converter rivals instead. In the used market, it’s a smart pick for short commutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the VW Up! ASG reliable?

Yes, with proper maintenance; the platform is proven, though monitor clutch actuator health.

How does ASG differ from a traditional automatic?

It’s an automated manual without a torque converter, cheaper but less smooth.

What’s the real-world mpg for Up! ASG?

Around 60-65mpg in mixed driving, per tests.

Can I drive VW Up! ASG manually?

Yes, via sequential lever nudges, but shifts remain slow.

Is it suitable for motorways?

Adequate for cruising, but overtaking requires planning due to shift delays.