Modernizing the Up! for the 2020s (non-performance related)

[Sharkie]

This is a thread about updates you can do to an Up! to drag it into the 2020s from a car technology perspective.

The Aussie Up!s, whilst having a 5 star safety rating and auto braking was missing out on technology we now consider mandatory. As part of my Up! project, I am delving into some of those tech areas.

List of updates that I consider necessary ....

1. Upgraded lights to LED spec
2. Auto lock/unlock
3. Auto headlights (sadly auto wipers looks very hard to do so its out)
4. Smart radio unit incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (the single most important modernization modification IMO)
5. RVC
6. Cruise control (yes, some came with this, but it can be retrofitted to those without)
7. Rear parking sensors (yes, some came with this, but it can be retrofitted to those without)
8. Better wheels and tyres (yes, technically a performance mod, but the stock wheels are tiny and really outdated looking)

[Sharkie]

Upgrading the lights

The stock headlights in the Up! are not particularly good and the yellow running lights are an eyesore ...

LED Running light upgrade

This LED fits perfectly without any errors and is nice crisp and brilliant white T20 7443 W21/5W Wedge LED Light Dual Filament Parker



Front Indicator upgrade

Technically the indicators are OK, but an LED upgrade makes them stand out. Use these without any errors AUXITO 7507 LED Bulbs 2800LM for Turn Signal Lights PY21W BAU15S with note these are also on Ebay.

Stock vs LED




Main beam (H4)

The main beam is not great and there are a few H4 LED bulbs that do fit and works well. Ebay is your friend

[Sharkie]

Auto lock/unlock

There is an auto lock (and unlock feature) that is not enabled by default on Aussie delivered Up!s.

Using VCDS you can enable this easily.

Go to 09-Central Electrics.

Pre-change the necessary bits in 09-Central Electrics are unchecked.


Change bits 3 and 4 which needs to be checked.


Auto locks over 15km/h and unlocks when you turn the car off and remove the key from the ignition.

[Sharkie]

Auto headlights

Auto headlights can be fitted using a custom switch that has a sensor and some smarts built in.

Stock headlight switch


Auto headlight switch with modified internals (smarts) and a sensor


Auto headlight switch in place


Sensor positioned to catch the light (or not)


Works brilliantly, even has coming home function Well worth the $50 spent (thanks Ebay although shipping took a while)

IMPORTANT NOTE: You need the switch for a MK4 Golf if you are looking to buy one. Many different model to choose from so beware I bought the wrong one 1st .

[Sharkie]

Upgraded radio with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

The problem with the radio in the Up! (although perfectly functional) is that it has very limited features. It is also integrated into the dash and cannot simply be replaced by a different OEM VW radio (such as a RCD330+ for instance). The integrated radio surround contains the HVAC controls as well.

OEM



There are really only 2 upgrade type kits available for the Up!, a 1DIN kit and a 2DIN kit, each with their pros and cons

1DIN


The 1DIN kit allows the retention of the HVAC controls as is, but limits the choices of radios to pick from.

2DIN


The 2DIN kit requires the movement of the HVAC controls, cost twice as much AND also requires cutting of the dash. NOTE this kit does not allow the direct fitment of any modern VW OEM 2DIN units as the radio surrounds are not rectangular.

[Sharkie]

RVC - Rear camera addition

For this you need to upgrade the radio to a smart unit 1st.

[Sharkie]

Cruise Control

[Sharkie]

Rear Parking Sensors

Car-Systems.eu sells a complete retrofit kit for the Up!. VW UP ! - PDC Park Pilot Rear - OPS on Miles&More Navigon

[Sharkie]

Wheel upgrades

Stock Up! wheel specs
PCD.......................4 x 100
Centre Bore............57.1mm
Standard rim 14".....5Jx14 ET35
Standard tire size....175/65R14

Options

The stock wheels while functional are nothing to look at and scream Povvo pack and base model. Aesthetically pleasing it is not.

Whilst 4x100 is getting harder to cater for, a number of options exist. 205 width tires are the widest without camber adjustments or wheel arch modifications.

15", 16" and 17" wheels are possible and there are a number of manufacturers out there.

15" Tire sizes of 185/55R15 (0% difference in diameter) and 195/50R15 (1.3% difference in diameter) allow better grip without affecting the speedo calibrations. 15" also allows more sidewall to preserve the comfort of the ride.

16" Tire sizes of 195/45R16 (-0.4%difference in diameter) and 205/40R16 (-2.2%) allow better grip without affecting the speedo calibrations significantly. 16" is a less comfortable ride.

17" Tire sizes of 205/35R17 (-1.7%) allow better grip without affecting the speedo calibrations significantly. 17" is a lot less comfortable ride.

This is what 15" (195/15R15) looks like on standard ride height (not lowered).