VW up! 2011-2023: How to Remove the Bumpers

Model Names and Production Years

The Volkswagen up! is a city car produced from 2011 to 2023. In different countries, it had various names: in Germany and most European markets, it was simply called up!, in Mexico—VW Lupo (named after its predecessor), and in China—Volkswagen up! or VW Fox (depending on the year).

Facelift and Generations

The model underwent one significant facelift in 2016, after which it received an updated front-end design, new technologies, and improved safety.

• First generation (2011–2016) – Rounded shapes, simple instrument panel, basic engines.
• Facelift (2016–2023) – New bumpers, LED lighting, touchscreen infotainment system, additional driver assistance systems.

Model Code and Platform

The Volkswagen up! is built on the Volkswagen Group NSF (New Small Family) platform, which was also used for the Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii. The body code for the three-door version is AAI, and for the five-door version—AAJ.

Body Type and Modifications

The main body types are 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks. However, there were other modifications:

• up! – Base version with 1.0 petrol engines (60 and 75 hp).
• up! eco – Fuel-efficient version with reduced consumption.
• up! GTI (2018–2023) – Sporty version with a 1.0 TSI (115 hp), featuring a more aggressive design and improved dynamics.
• e-up! (2013–2023) – Electric version with a range of up to 260 km (after the 2019 update).
• cross up! – A pseudo-crossover with increased ground clearance and plastic body cladding.

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew three bolts (five bolts for 2016-2023 models) securing the upper part of the front bumper (radiator grille).
3. From underneath, remove six push pins securing the lower part.
4. Turn the wheels to the side.
5. In the wheel arches, unscrew two bolts on each side securing the front fender liners.
6. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself).
8. Release the clips in the upper part (between the headlights).
9. Remove the front bumper by pulling it forward (ensure no wires are torn).
10. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Open the access panels in the trunk side trim.
3. Behind the panels, unscrew the plastic nuts and remove the rear lights.
4. In the trunk opening, unscrew four bolts securing the top of the rear bumper.
5. From underneath, remove four expanding push pins securing the lower part (inserted from bottom to top).
6. In the wheel arches, unscrew two bolts on each side securing the rear fender liners.
7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself).
9. With an assistant, remove the bumper by pulling it backward (ensure no wires are torn).
10. Disconnect the parking sensor connectors (if equipped) and license plate light.

Model Description

The Volkswagen up! was designed as a compact, economical, and practical city car. Its length of just 3.54 meters made it easy to park in tight urban spaces. Despite its small size, the interior was well thought out: the rear seats fold down, increasing trunk space from 251 to 951 liters.

Engines included three-cylinder 1.0 MPI petrol units (60 and 75 hp) and 1.0 TSI (90 and 115 hp in the GTI version). Transmission options were a 5-speed manual or an automated manual (ASG).

After 2016, the up! received more modern features:

• 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Light and rain sensors.
• City Emergency Braking system (automatic obstacle braking).

Interesting Facts

• Safest microcar – In 2011, the up! earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, rare for a car of its size.
• The electric e-up! barely sold – Due to its high price and limited range (initially just 160 km), it had low popularity, but demand increased after 2019.
• up! GTI – Heir to the Golf GTI – Despite only 115 hp, its 0-100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds and lightweight made it a fun city car.
• Nearly silent engine – The 1.0 MPI three-cylinder was so quiet that drivers sometimes forgot the car was running.
• Discontinuation – In 2023, production ended due to stricter emissions regulations and declining demand for small cars in Europe.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen up! was one of the last classic city cars, combining compactness, efficiency, and unexpectedly high comfort. Despite its discontinuation, it remains popular on the used market, especially in GTI and e-up! versions.