Volkswagen UP Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the Volkswagen UP

Engines and performance for the Volkswagen up!

Since running costs are a crucial part of owning a city car, the Volkswagen up! offers two 1.0 litre engines. There's a unit producing 113bhp in the up! GTi model which delivers a zesty and impressive drive. There's also a non-turbocharged unit producing 59 bhp with economy of more than 50 mpg. There's also the option of the electric Volkswagen e-up! which can deliver 162 miles on a full battery charge.

Equipment and handling

The first noticeable benefit for the Volkswagen up! is how spacious the car feels when compared with rivals. It's in a competitive segment but it's certainly a small car that sets the standard with a high build quality, excellent levels of handling and it is a practical offering. The up! was revised for 2020 with a better interior and fewer engine choices but the all-electric version is certainly worth considering with its 82 bhp power to enjoy from a standing start. There is a decent choice of trim levels with standard kit including remote central locking, air conditioning and alloy wheels. Other trims have more equipment, including better comfort levels with the R-Line offering a sports body kit with a lowered suspension to deliver better performance.  There's a choice of either five- or three-door models and all versions deliver a supple ride with a suspension dealing nicely with potholes and rough roads when driven at low speeds. However, it's for the level of handling that helps the up! stand apart from its rivals with precise steering and a suspension that delivers confidence, particularly on twisting roads. The GTi version offers more agility and, unsurprisingly, more fun when behind the wheel - it has a 0 to 62 mph sprint time of around 8.7 seconds. The interior is also a premium offering when compared with rivals with good supportive seats. The driver's view is excellent with all of the important controls within easy reach and the console itself has an uncluttered look. Some may find the option of having a rear view camera and rear parking sensors helpful but the car is small and nippy enough to park easily. Another option is cruise control, which is a standard feature on the electric e-up!. The equipment list includes a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB socket. There's also smartphone connectivity which, for most drivers, will then become their infotainment system hub. Essentially, there's a lot to recommend the Volkswagen up! as a premium city car; it's a spacious and well-designed offering with a better look and higher quality than most of its rivals in the segment.

More information about the Volkswagen up!

Why not have a look at the up! on the official Volkswagen UK company website and get the latest news about it at The UK Volkswagen Owners' Club.