VW up! A car worth waiting for!
By The Eye Magazine published 12 April, 2012 No Comments
Following its introduction as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, VW’s new small city class car ‘up!’ has been one of the most eagerly awaited vehicles of the decade and has now been released as an integral part of the German manufacturer’s new range for 2012. It promises to set new standards for quality and refinement among the small car classes and has already won ‘What Car’s’ car of the year 2012 even before its release.
To find out whether it lives up to those expectations Car Specialist magazine ‘Auto Express’ were allowed to test drive one of the first examples of this model to hit these shores and this is what they had to say:
“Initial impressions are positive. Fans of the original concept car will be pleased to see that the ‘up!’ has made it to the showroom pretty much unchanged. There’s the same cheeky, faired-in nose, distinctive rear side windows and upright tail. Just as VW’s larger models have interiors that drip with upmarket appeal, up! offers excellent quality in that department. The dashboard is robustly constructed from quality materials. The chunky switchgear operates with crisp precision, while the simple instruments are easy to read. There’s also a wide-range of seat and wheel adjustment, making it easy to get comfortable. Overall, the VW feels like a car from the class above.”
Their opinion that VW have hit a winner is more than confirmed with a brief examination of the car. While the cabin is spacious, the up! is strictly a four seater, though thankfully there’s more than enough room for taller adults in the back. Better still, the front seats tilt and slide forward to deliver easy access to the rear bench. Open the boot and you’ll find a useful 251litre space. The lengthy list of standard kit includes air-con, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a trip computer and a neat, dash mounted Sat-Nav system.
Engine-wise, the VW’s smooth 74bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is an efficient performer. Combined with a slick five-speed manual gear box it moves from 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds. The mechanical refinement and low noise levels, meanwhile, make it a more relaxing drive than rivals such as the Toyota Aygo and Fiat 500 and it soaks up the bumps with consummate ease. Accurate steering, strong grip and good body control aid neat and tidy handling, ensuring loads of confidence even in urban areas. A hi-tech £400 Driver Assistance package, which automatically applies the brakes if it senses you’re about to drive into the car in front., is also available.
But it’s the car’s value for money that really impresses. Top spec will set you back £10,390, which is only a few pounds more than the less accomplished Toyota Aygo. Basic bottom price, however, is advertised at £7999. What’s more, CO2 emissions of 108g/km mean you’ll only pay £20 a year for road tax.
On this showing the hype was justified, because the up! definitely sets new standards in the city car sector. Quality, refinement and practicality are frequently used adjectives in the car industry but in this case they are fully justified.
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