Volkswagen Up! automatic gearbox arrives in UK from £9,675
Volkswagen has introduced an automated manual transmission on the Up! city car in the UK, offering the option on both three- and five-door models for a £595 premium.
Volkswagen has introduced the Up! city car with an automatic transmission option in the United Kingdom, expanding its appeal to urban drivers seeking two-pedal convenience. The new automated manual gearbox, called ASG, is now available to order on both three- and five-door versions of the Up!, with prices starting from £9,675 for the entry-level three-door Move Up! equipped with the new transmission.
Volkswagen Up! Automatic Launches in the UK
ASG Automatic Transmission Details
The ASG (Automatisiertes Schaltgetriebe) is not the dual-clutch DSG transmission found in larger Volkswagens. Instead, it is a single-clutch automated version of the standard five-speed manual gearbox. The system uses electronic actuators to operate the clutch and shift gears, allowing the driver to choose between fully automatic operation or manual gear selection using the gearlever. Unlike some automatic gearboxes, the ASG does not include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Manual shifts are made by pushing the gearlever forwards or backwards.
Volkswagen states that the ASG adds only 3kg to the Up!’s weight compared to the regular manual version. The design focuses on simplicity and affordability, offering an automatic driving experience without the higher costs or complexity associated with dual-clutch systems. This makes the ASG a practical option for city drivers who frequently encounter stop-start traffic and value ease of use.
Pricing and Trim Options
The ASG automatic transmission is available on the Move Up! and High Up! trims, in both three- and five-door body styles. The BlueMotion package is not compatible with the automatic option. The ASG gearbox is offered as a £595 premium over the standard manual version across the eligible range. Below is a summary of the pricing for models equipped with the ASG:
| Model | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Move Up! 3-door ASG | £9,675 |
| Move Up! 5-door ASG | £10,040 |
| High Up! 3-door ASG | £11,110 |
| High Up! 5-door ASG | £11,475 |
How the ASG Gearbox Works
The ASG gearbox is essentially a robotised manual, using actuators to control the clutch and gear changes. Drivers can let the system handle all shifting in automatic mode, or opt for manual control by nudging the gearlever. This setup does not provide the rapid, seamless shifts of a dual-clutch system, but it is lighter and more cost-effective. The ASG’s straightforward design is well suited to the Up!’s role as a city car, where simplicity and efficiency are priorities.
Volkswagen Up! in the Urban Car Market
The Up! is Volkswagen’s entry-level city car, positioned to compete with other compact models in the UK urban vehicle segment. The introduction of the ASG automatic option brings the Up! in line with rivals that already offer two-pedal driving, such as the Toyota Aygo and Hyundai i10. For many city drivers, an automatic transmission is a significant convenience, especially in heavy traffic, and the ASG option is intended to meet this demand at a relatively low cost.
By offering the ASG, Volkswagen aims to broaden the Up!’s appeal to customers who might otherwise look to competitors for an automatic city car. The lightweight and affordable nature of the ASG transmission fits well with the Up!’s focus on efficiency and urban practicality. However, buyers seeking more performance or a more sophisticated automatic system will need to consider larger models in the Volkswagen line-up.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Up! ASG automatic adds a practical and affordable automatic transmission option to the brand’s city car line-up in the UK. With its focus on simplicity, low weight, and cost-effectiveness, the ASG transmission is designed for urban drivers who prioritise convenience in everyday motoring. The move strengthens Volkswagen’s position in the competitive small car segment and provides more choice for buyers looking for an efficient and easy-to-drive city car.
