View source for Volkswagen Lupo

{{Short description|Motor vehicle 1998-2006}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2019}}{{Infobox automobile
| name = Volkswagen Lupo
| image = 2002 Volkswagen Lupo E 1.0 Front (1).jpg
| manufacturer = [[Volkswagen]]
| production = 1998–2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autobild.de/marken-modelle/vw/lupo/1/ |title=VW Lupo |publisher=autobild.de |access-date=23 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="VWTypen"> {{cite book |author=Bernd Wiersch |title=Volkswagen Typenkunde 1994 bis 2006 |publisher=Delius Klasing Verlag |year=2012 |page=121 |isbn=978-3-7688-3421-6 |language=de |quote=Als einziges Lupo-Modell wurde der FSI in diesem Jahr (2003, editor) eingestellt. Die Produktion der übrigen Modelle lief bis 2005 weiter.}}</ref>
| assembly = {{ubl |Germany: [[Wolfsburg, Germany|Wolfsburg]]{{#tag:ref|Between 1998 and 2006; from 2001, the 3L, GTI models only.|group="nb"}} |Belgium: [[Brussels, Belgium|Brussels]]{{#tag:ref|Between 2001 and 2006; except 3L, GTI models.|group="nb"}}}}
| class = [[City car]] ([[A-segment|A]])
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
| platform = [[Volkswagen Group A00 platform]]
| related = [[SEAT Arosa]]
| engine = {{ubl
  | '''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
  | 1.0 L [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.4 L I4
  | 1.6 L I4
  | '''[[Diesel engine|diesel]]:'''
  | 1.2 L [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[Straight-three engine|I3]]
  | 1.4 L turbo I3
  | 1.7&nbsp;L I4
  }}
| transmission = 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />6-speed manual<br />5-speed [[automated manual transmission|automated manual]]<br />4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{Convert|2318|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{Convert|3524|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{Convert|1640|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Convert|1457|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{Convert|975|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| successor = [[Volkswagen Fox]]
| designer = [[Jozef Kabaň]]
}}

The '''Volkswagen Lupo''' (''Typ'' 6X) is a [[city car]] that was produced by the German car manufacturer [[Volkswagen]], from 1998 to 2005.<ref name="VWTypen" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Lupo |url=https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/lupo-3590 |website=Volkswagen Newsroom |language=en}}</ref> It shares most of its aspects with the Volkswagen Group's [[SEAT Arosa]], both derived from the [[Volkswagen Polo Mk3]] platform. Main differences are found in styling and equipment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/19980914/ANE/809140819/lupo-extends-vw-range|title = Lupo Extends Vw Range|date = 13 December 2005}}</ref> The Lupo name is Latin, meaning [[wolf]], and is named after its home town of [[Wolfsburg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/33781/volkswagen_lupo.html#ixzz1DxSfIPZY |title=Auto Express February 2003 |publisher=Autoexpress.co.uk |date=2003-02-04 |access-date=2011-09-05}}</ref>

==Model history==
[[File:2002 Volkswagen Lupo E 1.0 Rear (1).jpg|thumb|left|Rear view]]
The Lupo was introduced in October 1998, to fill the void at the bottom of the Volkswagen model range caused by the increasing size and weight of the [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]]. The right-hand-drive version for the UK market was launched in the spring of 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news//12/30/lupo-and-bora-to-get-spring-launch/4370/|title=Lupo and Bora to get Spring Launch|accessdate=18 November 2022}}</ref> In Japan, two models with petrol 4-valve 1.4L and 4-speed automatic with lock-up on the 4th were launched on 11 July 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webcg.net/articles/-/19760|title = フォルクスワーゲン「ルポ」発売 【ニュース】|trans-title=News: Volkswagen Lupo sale starts|lang=ja|trans-quote=base price is Yen 1,499,000, "Lupo Comfort Package" with power windows, electric center lock and stereo is Yen 1,590,000. weight is 1,000kg}}</ref>

Lupo uses the [[Volkswagen Group A00 platform|A00 platform]] which is a shortened version of the Polo/Ibiza [[Volkswagen Group A0 platform|A0 platform]]. Initially only available in two trim variants, the budget ''E'' trim and the upgraded S trim; the range later expanded to include a Sport and GTI variant.

Petrol engines ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 (1.6 for the GTI) with diesels from 1.2 to 1.7. The differences between the E and S trim included painted door mirrors, door handles and strip, central locking, electric windows, double folding seats and opening rear windows. The Sport also got a chrome centre exhaust and front foglights as standard. <ref>{{cite web |title=The Lupo 2003 Model Year |url=https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/VW-Lupo-2003-UK-.pdf |website=Auto Catalog Archive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711085019/https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/VW-Lupo-2003-UK-.pdf |archive-date=11 July 2023 |date=11 July 2023}}</ref>

The Lupo was designed by [[Jozef Kabaň]].

===Replacement===
Sales of the Lupo were slow and missed Volkswagen's targets. In 2001 a Volkswagen source claimed that it was decided the Lupo would eventually be discontinued and replaced by a model built in China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20110831/ANE/308319898/vw-makes-big-move-into-minicar-segment|title = VW makes big move into minicar segment|date = 31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/20010409/ANE/104090864/china-car-to-replace-vw-lupo|title='China car' to replace VW Lupo|date=13 December 2005}}</ref>

Production of the Lupo was discontinued in June 2005,<ref name="VWTypen" /> and was replaced on the European market by the Brazilian designed [[Volkswagen Fox|Fox]]. Due to the decision taken by Volkswagen, to use the Fox instead of developing any genuine replacement for the Lupo. 
 {{clarify|date=September 2020}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/seat-calls-time-arosa|title=Seat calls time on Arosa|newspaper=Autocar|date=29 June 2004|access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> The Lupo's spiritual successor, [[Volkswagen up!]], was released in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2011/08/production-vw-up-ditches-rear-engine/|title = Production VW Up! Ditches Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive for a Traditional FWD Setup|date = 19 August 2011}}</ref>

==Specifications==
*Length: {{convert|3530|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Width: {{convert|1803|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} with mirrors, {{convert|1640|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} without
*Height: {{convert|1447-1475|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Luggage capacity (rear seats up): 130 litres, (rear seats down) 833 litres
*Weight: {{Convert|890-1015|kg|0|abbr=on}}

==Engines==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! Name
! Volume
! Type
! Output
! Torque
! 0–100&nbsp;km/h (0-62&nbsp;mph)
! Top speed
! Years
|-
!colspan="8"|Petrol engines
|-
|'''1.0 8v'''||{{convert|997|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||[[straight-4|4&nbsp;cyl.]]||{{convert|50|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5000 rpm||{{convert|84|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2750 rpm||18.0 s||{{convert|152|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1998–2000
|-
|'''1.0 8v'''||{{convert|999|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl||{{convert|50|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5000 rpm||{{convert|86|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3000–3600 rpm||17.7 s||{{convert|152|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1998–2005
|-
|'''1.4 8v'''||{{convert|1390|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|60|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4700 rpm||{{convert|116|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3000 rpm||14.3 s||{{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||2000–2005
|-
|'''1.4 16v'''||{{convert|1390|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 5000 rpm||{{convert|126|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3800 rpm||12.0 s||{{convert|172|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1998–2005
|-
|'''1.4 16v Sport'''||{{convert|1390|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm||{{convert|126|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4400 rpm||10.0 s||{{convert|188|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1999–2005
|-
|'''1.4 16v [[Fuel Stratified Injection|FSI]]'''||{{convert|1390|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|105|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6200 rpm||{{convert|130|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 4250 rpm||10.0 s||{{convert|199|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||2000–2003
|-
|'''1.6 16v [[Grand Tourer Injection|GTI]]'''||{{convert|1598|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|125|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm||{{convert|152|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 3000 rpm||7.8 s||{{convert|205|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||2000–2005
|-
!colspan="8"|Diesel engines
|-
|'''1.2 [[Turbocharged Direct Injection|TDI]]'''||{{convert|1191|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||[[straight-3|3 cyl.]]||{{convert|61|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm||{{convert|140|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 1800–2400 rpm||14.5 s||{{convert|165|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1999–2005
|-
|'''1.4 TDI'''||{{convert|1422|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||3 cyl.||{{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm||{{convert|195|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2200 rpm||12.3 s||{{convert|170|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1999–2005
|-
|'''1.7 [[Suction Diesel Injection|SDI]]'''||{{convert|1716|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}||4 cyl.||{{convert|60|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 4200 rpm||{{convert|115|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} at 2200–3000 rpm||16.8 s||{{convert|157|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}||1998–2005
|}

==Versions==

===Lupo 3L===
[[File:VW Lupo front 20080524.jpg|thumb|Volkswagen Lupo 3L]]
[[File:VW Lupo rear 20080524.jpg|thumb|Volkswagen Lupo 3L]]
The Volkswagen Lupo 3L (''Typ 6E'') was a special edition made with the intent of being the world's first car in series production consuming as little as 3 [[litre]]s of fuel per 100 kilometres (78 miles per [[U.S. customary units|US]] [[gallon]] or 94 miles per [[Imperial unit|Imperial]] gallon).{{Citation needed|date=December 2014}} To achieve this, the 3L was significantly changed from the standard Lupo to include:

* 1.2 litre three cylinder [[diesel engine]] with [[turbocharger]] and [[Direct fuel injection|direct injection]] 
* Use of light weight [[aluminum]] and [[magnesium]] alloys for doors, bonnet (hood), rear hatch, seat frames, engine block, wheels, suspension system etc. to achieve a weight of only {{convert|830|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Manumatic#Tiptronic|Tiptronic]] gearbox
* Engine [[start/stop]] automatic to avoid long idling periods
* Low rolling resistance tires
* [[Automated manual transmission]] and clutch, to optimise fuel consumption, with a Tiptronic mode for the gearbox
* Changed aerodynamics, so a <math>\mathbf c_\mathrm w\,</math> value of 0.29 was achieved

The 3L, along with the GTI and FSI, had a completely different steel body to other Lupos, using thinner but stronger steel sheet. The car had an automated manual transmission with a Tiptronic mode on the selector and electro-hydraulic actuation system for the clutch and shifting. The car also had an ECO mode. When engaged it limited the power to 41&nbsp;bhp (31&nbsp;kW; 42 PS) (excluding kick down) and programmed the transmission to change up at the most economical point.

ECO mode also activated the start/stop function, a feature that was new to European cars at the time.

To restart, the driver simply takes his foot off the brake and presses the accelerator. In ECO mode, the clutch was disengaged when the accelerator pedal was released for maximum economy, so the car freewheels as much as possible, with the clutch re engaging as soon as the accelerator pedal or brake pedal is touched. The 3L also has only four-wheel bolts and alloy brake drums at the rear, along with many aluminium suspension components.

Initially, there were very few options on the 3L, as options added weight which affected fuel consumption. Those available initially were electrically heated and electrically controlled mirrors, fog lights, and different paint colours. In order to increase sales, other options were offered, including all electric steering, electric windows, and air conditioning.

These options, however, increased fuel consumption slightly. In July 2001, a Japanese economy driver, Dr. Miyano, used it to set a new world record for the most frugal circumnavigation of Britain in a standard diesel production car, with an average fuel economy figure of 119.48 mpg or 2.36 L/100&nbsp;km.

In November 2003, Gerhard Plattner covered a distance of 2,910 miles through twenty European countries in a standard Lupo 3L TDI. He achieved his aim of completing this journey, which started in [[Oslo]], Norway, and finished in [[The Hague]] in the Netherlands, with just €100 worth of fuel. In fact, all he required was 90.94 euros, which corresponds to an average consumption of 2.78 litres per 100&nbsp;km (101.6 mpg).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vwvortex.com/news/volkswagen-news/lupo-3l-once-again-enters-guiness-book-of-world-records/ |title=Lupo 3L Once Again Enters {{sic|Guin|ess|hide=y}} Book of World Records |publisher=vwvortex.com |author=Jamie Vondruska |date=2 December 2003 |access-date=4 October 2016}}</ref>

The Lupo 3L shared its engine and special gearbox with the [[Audi A2#1.2 TDI "3L"|Audi A2 1.2 TDI 3L]]. As a result of this and other changes, this Audi A2 is also capable of reaching the same results as the Lupo 3L.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} According to the instruction manual of the Lupo 3L, the 3L engine also runs on [[Rapeseed Methyl Ester]] (RME) without any changes to the engine.

During the period of series production of the Lupo 3L, Volkswagen also presented the [[Volkswagen 1-litre car|1L Concept]], a prototype made with the objective of proving the capability of producing a roadworthy vehicle consuming only 1 litre of fuel per 100 kilometres (235 miles per US gallon).

=== Lupo Sport ===
The Lupo Sport was available with the petrol 1.4 {{convert|100|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and the diesel 1.4 {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. 

There are a number of visual and mechanical differences compared to the lower trim levels. Sports had 14" Kyalami Alloys, front fog lamps, ABS (an option on diesels up to 2003), heated windscreen washer jets, and electric mirrors on later models. The petrol also had a central single exhaust and rear disc brakes. Early Sports came with "Tim & Tom" upholstery which was brightly coloured with cartoon cats and mice on, this was later changed to interwoven velour with sportier seats from the GTI.

The 1.4 petrol also differed from the one equipped in the S trim with different ECU, inlet cam, gear ratios, exhaust manifold, metal inlet manifold, bigger and drive-by-wire throttle body (instead of cable), bigger 256mm front disc brakes (vs 239mm).

===Lupo FSi===
The Lupo FSi was the first direct injection petrol powered production vehicle Volkswagen produced. A 5L/100&nbsp;km 1.4 16v petrol version of the Lupo 3L with an average consumption of 4.9L/100&nbsp;km. This direct injection engine next to a conventional engine with similar power uses around 30% less fuel. It had a similar automated gearbox to the 3L but with different gear ratios.

Outwardly, it was almost identical to a 3L but with a different front grill, slightly wider wheels with a different design and lacked the [[magnesium]] steering wheel and rear bumper of the 3L. Early 3L and FSi models had [[aluminium]] tailgates which were lighter and more aerodynamic than their standard Lupo counterparts. Early FSi models also had a unique spoiler while later ones without the aluminium tailgates were fitted with the same spoiler as the Lupo GTI. The FSi was only sold in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

===Lupo GTI===
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 220
| image1   = 2001 Volkswagen Lupo GTi 1.6 Front.jpg
| image2   = 2001 Volkswagen Lupo GTi 1.6 Rear.jpg
| caption2 = 2001 Volkswagen Lupo GTI
}}
The 1.6 L [[Volkswagen Lupo GTI|Lupo GTI]], introduced in the year 2000, has been labelled a true successor to the [[Volkswagen Golf Mk1]], one of the first true [[hot hatch]]es.{{citation needed|date=February 2011}} The GTI can be identified by its fully body coloured bumpers and twin central exhausts. In March 2002, a six speed gearbox was added, together with improved throttle response, and was suggested as a competitor to the [[Mini (marque)|Mini Cooper]], or the larger [[Volkswagen Polo GTI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/19731/volkswagen_lupo_gti_6spd.html |title=Evo March 2002 |publisher=Evo.co.uk |date=2002-03-07 |access-date=2011-09-05}}</ref>

The GTI features much more standard equipment which was not available on any other in the Lupo range, including bi-[[xenon]] headlights, 15 inch Bathurst alloy wheels and an off black interior. With a [[DOHC]] sixteen valve four cylinder engine producing {{cvt|125|PS|kW|0}}, the GTI had a top speed of {{convert|127|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and could accelerate 0 to 60&nbsp;mph in 7.8 seconds.

==Production figures==
More than 480,000 units of the Volkswagen Lupo have been produced through its lifetime.

The total production per year of the Lupo is shown below:
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!Year!!1998<ref name="web.archive.org">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110717231127if_/http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2000/03/Annual_Report_1999.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/VW_AR_1999_e.pdf Annual Report 1999] Volkswagen AG</ref>!!1999<ref name="web.archive.org"/>!!2000<ref name="ReferenceA">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110717231251if_/http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2002/03/annual_report_2001.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/20020312_GB_2001_e.pdf Annual report 2001] Volkswagen AG</ref>!!2001<ref name="ReferenceA"/>!!2002<ref name="ReferenceB">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120729181042if_/http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2004/03/annual_report_2003.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/20040309_gb2003_e.pdf Annual report 2003] Volkswagen AG</ref>!!2003<ref name="ReferenceB"/>!!2004<ref name="volkswagenag.com">[https://www.volkswagenag.com/presence/konzern/images/teaser/history/chronik/annual-report/2005-Annual-Report.pdf Annual report 2005] Volkswagen AG</ref>!!2005<ref name="volkswagenag.com"/>
|-
!Production
|64,855|||89,757||97,403||82,238||70,377||42,695||24,434||5,742
|}

==Awards==
*''Best Micromini'' 1999 (Ireland)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/triple-crown-of-awards-puts-focus-on-ford-26146291.html|title=Triple crown of awards puts Focus on Ford|website=independent|accessdate=18 November 2022}}</ref>

==Literature==
* {{cite book |author=Hans-Rüdiger Etzold |title=So wird's gemacht: VW Lupo/SEAT Arosa 1997–2005 |publisher=Delius Klasing Verlag |year=2012 |edition=7th |isbn=978-3-7688-1182-8 |language=de}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Cars}}
* [http://www.driveandstayalive.com/info%20section/news/individual%20news%20articles/x_031202_vw-lupo-sets-new-mpg-distance-record.htm World Record Economy drive]

{{Volkswagen}}
{{Volkswagen (Europe) timeline 1980 to date}}

[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Lupo]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:City cars]]
[[Category:Euro NCAP superminis]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2005]]