Volkswagen Lupo - the first European modelclass micro cars from the famous German automaker. The car was only available as a 3-door hatchback for four or five seats. He is a relative of SEAT Arosa, represented a year earlier. The vehicle was produced in 1998-2005, later it was replaced by Volkswagen Up !.
Historical reference
For the first time interest in the class of urban small-sizedcars of increased profitability company Volkswagen showed in 1991, creating a prototype Chico. However, market research has shown that the model will be in the same group as Polo, creating unnecessary competition.
This issue was returned in 1997, whenThe new generation of "Polo" has grown noticeably in size. On the basis of the A00 platform, the car SEAT Arosa was first created and rolled over, and later - Volkswagen Lupo. Despite the common base, both models have certain differences, including in appearance. By the way, the name "Lupo" originated from the Italian word "wolf". This is a kind of reference to the name of the city of Wolfsburg ("City of wolves") in Germany, which houses the headquarters and the main production facilities of the company.
Production
Sales of Volkswagen Lupo started in autumn 1998of the year. Europeans liked the "shpatty" miniature economy car. According to the developers, the consumption of diesel fuel should not exceed 3-4 liters, depending on driving modes.
Первоначально продажи превысили все ожидания.However, since 2000, demand began to fall gradually. The reason lies in the crowdedness for the rear passengers and the small volume of the trunk (which reduced demand among families), while competitors presented more thoughtful subcompacts. However, this did not prevent to realize for 7 years 488 000 units - a good indicator for the oversaturated EEC market.
Before 2001 Volkswagen Lupo was going to the mainfactory in Wolfsburg. When the pace of sales declined, most of the production was moved to Brussels. In Germany, the release of only a special series of 3L TDI. In July 2005, the last "Lupo" came off the assembly line. Some modifications still continued to be made in Brazil under the Fox brand for the South American market and Mexico.
Design
Externally, the Volkswagen Lupo looks like a toyby car. Round beveled headlamps resemble the eyes of a baby, with curiosity and trustfulness looking at the world. Small dimensions (width - 1.64 m, length - 3.53 m, height - 1.46 m) and "licked" body do not allow to take seriously the baby. Meanwhile, the vehicle with ease and at ease will deliver passengers to destination. It becomes clear why the Europeans (especially the beautiful half of humanity) at one time fell in love with Lupo.
However, compactness has imposed its limitations.The hatchback was produced exclusively in the 3-door version, with the third door integrated with the trunk. The rear row of seats almost rests against the front seats. It is especially inconvenient if the driver is tall and has to move the seat. The situation is aggravated by the same miniature, like a car, trunk volume - only 130 liters. However, with the folded back sofa folded, it increases to 830 liters. This is enough to transport a medium sized cargo.
Volkswagen Lupo interior trim is standard anddepends on the configuration. Each of the seats has massive headrests. The instrument panel on one side does not shine with delicacy, on the other - it has interesting "chips" that decorate the interior. For example, deep wells of a speedometer and a tachometre look like binoculars. On some modifications, a semi-sport steering wheel with a narrow grip and an aluminum frame is installed. Initially, the car was only available in two trim options: the budget E and the improved S. Later the range expanded to include the Sport and GTI trim levels.
Technical specifications Volkswagen Lupo
The first "Lupo" was equipped with SDI diesels withoutsupercharging and gasoline engines I4 capacity of 50 and 75 horsepower, respectively. In 1998, the line was supplemented with turbocharged diesel units TDI 1,2 and 1,4 liters, developing a force of 61 and 75 hp, and gasoline 1.4 16V (100 hp).
In 2000, the Lupo GTI was introduced.It is equipped with the fastest of all versions of the petrol 1.6-liter engine with 16 valves (with variable camshaft, front-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission) with a capacity of 125 hp. (92 kW) at 6500 rpm and a torque of 152 Nm at 3000 rpm. It allows you to overclock the baby up to hundreds in 8.2 seconds. The speed at the peak reaches 205 km / h.
In a mixed cycle fuel consumption per 100 km is:
- 3-4,4 l for diesel engines.
- 4.9 l for petrol engines of the FSI series.
- 5.8-6.6 liters for gasoline I4.
- 7.3 liters for the GTI.
Reviews of Volkswagen Lupo
The picky European audience warmly acceptedcompact A-class car from the leader of the auto industry company Volkswagen. Small dimensions allow you to feel confident in the city stream and easily find parking spaces.
A variety of colors (including -cheerful), a wide range of accessories, the choice between economical diesel or more powerful gasoline engines expand the audience of buyers. The model is of particular interest to young people and women. As a family car is not very suitable because of the tightness of the cabin and the modest luggage compartment.
Owners note the high throttle response of the car,sufficient for the city's agility, good controllability. However, given the cheapness of the model, it does not have many options that are customary for a modern vehicle: power steering, a full air conditioner, an on-board computer, advanced head optics, etc. Overall, the car leaves a pleasant impression. Especially appreciated sports Lupo GTI, in the production of which widely used corrosion-resistant aluminum, magnesium and other lightweight materials.
