We’ll start with its driving dynamics. Few cars in any sector feel as at home in the city as the new Volkswagen Up! Hatchback. Its tight turning circle and precise steering means it can pop through gaps in the traffic like a Super Mario Kart.
The engines make a fair noise, but it’s a characterful hum that rarely becomes annoying. On bright summer days, you might even find yourself humming along. In terms of the engines, a 1.0-litre petrol unit is available with either 59 or 79bhp, but our favourite is the turbocharged 89bhp version which has only just recently dropped.
It feels funky fresh, and has enough power to get you from rest to 62 in less than 10 seconds. The 74bhp, meanwhile, is a bit of a slow coach and takes 13 seconds to cover that sprint. It’s a good choice if you’re going to be spending practically all of your time in the town or city, though.
One of the best things about the Up! is its affordability. Keeping any engine on the road doesn’t cost much at all, with average returns of 64.2mpg from a petrol engine nothing to be sneezed at. These fuel economy returns can be managed by both the 59 and 79bhp versions of the 1.0-litre petrol engine, and they both cost just £20 a yea in road tax. Fit the engines with BlueMotion tech, and you can squeeze even more fuel consumption out of the car – up to 68.9mpg.
The VW Up!’s interior is comfy and classy. Fit and finish is almost on par with the more upmarket models in Volkswagen’s stables, while there are plenty of chances for you to customise the cabin. On the whole, the interior is a colourful, bright affair that makes you feel good to sit inside. The dash manages to look youthful and vibrant, and the steering wheel is height adjustable.
The Up! is not the biggest car around, but VW have packaged it well. It’s strictly a four seater, but all four adults should be super comfortable. Space up front is particularly good, with a drawback for rear seated passengers being the low roof, which will limit headroom. The car is available as either a three or five door, and both come with a 251-litre boot.
Price:
Volkswagen – £9,000 – £12,900