Review: 2019 Volkswagen e-Up! (facelift 2019) 36.8 kWh (83 Hp)

The 2019 Volkswagen e-Up! is a compact electric vehicle (EV) that offers a practical solution for urban driving. With its facelift in 2019, the e-Up! has become more appealing to those looking for an eco-friendly and efficient car. This review will delve into the car's features, performance, and how it fits into different lifestyles, helping you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Understanding the Basics: Key Terms

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify some essential terms. The e-Up! is a BEV, or Battery Electric Vehicle, meaning it runs entirely on electricity stored in a battery. This model features a 36.8 kWh battery, which is a measure of the battery's capacity to store energy. The car's power is rated at 83 horsepower (Hp), which is a unit of measurement for engine power. The torque, which is the rotational force that helps the car accelerate, is 212 Nm (Newton-meters).

Performance and Features

The Volkswagen e-Up! is designed for efficiency and practicality. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 11.9 seconds, which is adequate for city driving. Its top speed is 130 km/h (about 81 mph), making it suitable for highway use, though it's primarily an urban vehicle. The e-Up! offers a range of 180-260 km (112-162 miles) on a full charge, depending on driving conditions, which is ideal for daily commutes and short trips.

The car's compact size, with a length of 3600 mm (141.73 inches) and a width of 1645 mm (64.76 inches), makes it easy to maneuver and park in tight city spaces. It seats five people and has a trunk space of 250 liters (8.83 cubic feet), expandable to 923 liters (32.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down, providing flexibility for carrying cargo.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

City Driving: The e-Up! is perfect for city dwellers. Its small size and electric powertrain make it easy to navigate through traffic and park in crowded areas. The electric motor provides instant torque, making it responsive in stop-and-go traffic.

Long-Distance Travel: While the e-Up! can handle highway speeds, its range is more suited for shorter trips. For long-distance travel, you would need to plan charging stops, which might not be convenient for everyone.

Family Use: The e-Up! can accommodate a small family, but the limited trunk space might be a constraint for those needing to carry a lot of luggage or equipment.

Single Ownership: Ideal for singles or couples, the e-Up! offers enough space and comfort for daily use without the need for extensive cargo capacity.

Adventure Lifestyles: If you're into outdoor adventures, the e-Up! might not be the best fit due to its limited range and cargo space. However, it's great for city-based activities.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:
- Eco-friendly with zero emissions.
- Compact size for easy city driving and parking.
- Instant torque for quick acceleration.
Weaknesses:
- Limited range for long-distance travel.
- Small trunk space for larger families or cargo needs.

Conclusion

The 2019 Volkswagen e-Up! is a great choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly and efficient city car. Its compact size, electric powertrain, and practical features make it ideal for urban environments. However, if you frequently travel long distances or need ample cargo space, you might want to consider other options. Think about what features matter most to you. Do you need extra cargo space, or is city maneuverability more important?

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	e-Up! (facelift 2019)
Modification (Engine)	36.8 kWh (83 Hp)
Powertrain Architecture	BEV (Electric Vehicle)
Body Type	Hatchback
Seats	5
Doors	5
Combined Fuel Consumption	12.7-12.9 kWh/100 km
CO2 Emissions	0 g/km
Fuel Type	Electricity
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	11.9 sec
Maximum Speed	130 km/h
Emission Standard	Zero Emissions
Battery Voltage	350 V
Battery Technology	Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
Electric Motor Power	83 Hp
Electric Motor Torque	212 Nm
Kerb Weight	1160 kg
Max Load	370 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum and Maximum)	250 l - 923 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	N/A
Length	3600 mm
Width	1645 mm
Height	1507 mm
Wheelbase	2417 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	1 gear, automatic
Front Suspension	Independent type McPherson
Rear Suspension	Torsion
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Drum
Assisting Systems	ABS
Power Steering	Electric Steering
Tire Size	165/70 R14; 165/65 R15; 185/50 R16
Wheel Rims Size	5J x 14; 5J x 15; 6J x 16