Car Reviews > Volkswagen > UP! > Volkswagen Up! UK Drive Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive Power: 74 bhp
0-62 mph: 13.2 seconds
Top Speed: 106 miles per hour Fuel
Economy: 60.1 miles per gallon
Emissions: 108g per kilometre
Equipment: GPS, electronic stability control, Bluetooth, electric windows, air conditioning, 14-inch alloy wheels, heated seats
On Sale: Spring 2012

The VW Up! is promising to deliver big car refinement and ripping up the city car rulebook in the process.

One of the most fervently anticipated new cars of 2012 is undoubtedly the VW Up! From the moment it made its concept debut four years ago at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the small German vehicle has been promising to set new standards for refinement and quality in the city car class.

So is this car up to scratch, and able to banish memories of the brand’s substandard Fox and Lupo models of the past?

First impressions prove to be very positive indeed. Those who liked the original concept vehicle will not be disappointed to find that the Up! has arrived in the showroom largely unaltered. There is the same cheeky faired-in nose, upright tail and distinctive rear side windows.

As is the case with all of the VW’s bigger models, the interior of the vehicle is positively dripping with upmarket appeal. The dash has been robustly built with very high quality materials, while the chunky switchgear works with crisp precision, and the simple instruments are nice and easy to read. There is also a large array of wheel and seat adjustment, which makes it simple to get comfortable.

There are a few telltale signs of penny-pinching, as might be expected in this price bracket, with the leather of the steering wheel feeling a little bit cheap and the lack of any back lighting for the electric window switches, yet overall the VW still feels like a vehicle that belongs in the class above.

The cabin is spacious as well; a strict 4-seater that still has plenty of room in the rear even for taller adults. Even better is the fact that the front seats are able to tilt and slide forward, enabling easy access to the rear bench. When the tailgate is opened, you will find a very useful 251-litre boot.

The large car feel is given an extra boost by the long list of kit which comes as standard with the vehicle. In High guise, this includes the likes of air conditioning, a trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats, while also included in the deal is the very neat Maps & More GPS system that is mounted on the top of the dashboard.

The portable unit, which was developed in conjunction with GPS experts Navigon, includes an additional display for the water temperature and engine revs, a route finding function and a “Blue Box” index that enables you to boost your fuel economy.

When on the move, the sweet-spinning 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit, capable of a bhp rating of 74, turns out to be quite the eager performer. Together with the slick 5-speed manual gearbox, this combination enables the car to go from 0-62 miles per hour in 13.2 seconds.

The low noise levels and excellent mechanical refinement of the Up! also means that it is a much more relaxing companion than competitors such as the Fiat 500 and the Toyota Aygo, an impression that is only further reinforced by the very supple ride that does a terrific job of soaking up the bumps.

This is a new benchmark for the city car sector.

by Autoweb