We review the Volkswagen Up! from price to economy and all its features
LIKE the Beetle, the Up! just has something about it that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Although it's a similar shape to lots of other city cars, it's the big VW badge on the bonnet and refreshingly simple front end that give it that something extra.
Something extra ... Volkswagen Up!
The same simple, unfussy formula is continued on the inside, giving the Up! a grown-up feel for a small car.
I'm a big fan of the uncluttered dashboard with the minimum of switches so you can concentrate on the driving.
A screen on top of the dash gives you Maps And More, a self-contained information system giving you everything from satnav to Bluetooth connectivity and general trip information.
It's standard at the top of the range and though it's a £275 extra on the other models, it's one of the bestvalue Sun options you'll buy. Space is a big plus with the Up! Despite being a compact 11ft 8in long, the big glass area gives a far more spacious feel inside and four adults do fit.
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Go for the five-door if you want ease of access. For two people plus the occasional back-seat passenger, the three-door will do fine. Boot space is a useful 8.8 cubic feet.
What will surprise you most about the Up! is how well it drives, particularly as there is only a one-litre three-cylinder engine under the bonnet. It's a little gem that's remarkably refined on the motorway compared to most city cars and fuel economy is a very acceptable 60 mpg.
The ride can feel firm and almost hard around town but it smooths out on motorways and the Up!'s handling makes it genuine fun to drive.
But it's the starting price of £7,995 that makes the Up! such a compelling proposition. Even the well-equipped High Up! at £10,390 won't break the bank.