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Lupo (1998–2005)

Lupo (1998–2005)
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Little wolf from Wolfsburg

Factory code: 6X Saloon (3L + FSI + GTI)

The Volkswagen Lupo is set to tap into the market segment below the Polo. Expectations are high when the curtain rises on the Lupo in autumn 1998. And with good reason: Volkswagen is breaking new ground with this model, and the Lupo is entering the microcar segment. The newcomer to the class does not disappoint. On the contrary: instead of a school cone, it receives a heap of advance praise from the trade press.

At just over three and a half metres long, the VW Lupo is around 20 centimetres shorter than the already compact VW Polo. Built exclusively as a three-door model, it nevertheless offers four full seats and even a fifth seat on request. It bears the Volkswagen face at the front, with distinctive round headlights and internal indicators, and the Lupo's "happy face" quickly wins it friends.

The little wolf earned particular praise for the Lupo 3L TDI, which is launched in 1999. It is the first production car in the world to achieve standard fuel consumption of less than three litres: 2.99 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres – an average that remains unattainable for many other cars in its class to this day. This is made possible by intelligent lightweight construction and a mix of materials where only the best is good enough: extra-thin special glass panes, for example, reduce the overall weight considerably. Ultra-light aluminium alloys are used for many body and add-on parts. Other clever fuel-saving solutions, such as the long-stroke automated manual gearbox (ASG), help the little technological wonder to break all consumption records right from the start.

But the little car from Wolfsburg is also good at sports – a real sprinter: leading the way is the Lupo GTI performance model, which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h.

Lupo profile

Vehicle data

Lupo (1998–2005)

Engine versions

Lupo (1998–2005)

Lupo variants & highlights

Lupo model update

1999

Plus 16V and TDI

From July, a 1.4 16V with 100 PS is also available – impressive performance for a subcompact car. A 1.4-litre turbo diesel with three cylinders and direct injection completes the engine range.

1999

The Lupo 3L TDI arrives

In the middle of the year, a special model is launched that is to become a minor legend right from the start: the 3-litre Lupo. Never before had there been such an economical, fully-fledged car with four seats. Volkswagen had previously worked intensively on the Lupo, particularly in terms of drive technology and body construction, in order to achieve these sensational figures. A three-cylinder turbo diesel engine (with power reduced from 61 to 45 PS) is linked to a special transmission control system which, in addition to a start-stop function, also enables "coasting", a free-wheeling mode when the engine is not engaged. The specially graded semi-automatic transmission can be operated both manually and in automated mode with early upshift points. A selectable start-stop function offers an Eco programme in which the engine switches off automatically when the vehicle comes to a halt and starts again automatically when the accelerator pedal is pressed. The tailgate of the VW Lupo 3L TDI is made from a sophisticated aluminium-magnesium compound, while the bonnet and doors are made from aluminium. All these measures result in an impressive weight saving of around 150 kilograms compared with its conventional siblings.

2000

First European with FSI

The Lupo is the first European car to be equipped with a direct injection petrol engine. The FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) engine delivers 105 PS.

2000

The smallest GTI arrives

The engine of the new Lupo GTI is even more powerful. The front side panels, doors, and bonnet are also made of aluminium, but this time not to reduce fuel consumption – they have a dynamic function: the small GTI's 1.6-litre petrol engine delivers 125 PS and a top speed of up to 205 km/h. The VW Lupo GTI has been lowered for better handling, stands on 15-inch alloy wheels, and has 205-width tyres. The wings are flared to cover everything. A central twin exhaust pipe characterises the rear view, while the standard ESP ensures safety. Seats with perfect side support and red stitching, red seat belts, aluminium-coated pedals, and a black headliner round off the equipment of this little racer.

2000

Another petrol engine

In September, the range is expanded with a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 60 PS.

2001

Transmission update

The Lupo GTI is now built with a six-speed transmission as standard.

2002

New cover

The tailgate of the 3-litre Lupo is now made of steel, and the battery is housed in the spare wheel well in the boot.

2005

End of the Lupo series

Production is discontinued. In total, 487,856 VW Lupos were built.

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Lupo (1998–2005)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.