The best car in the world?
When people talk about the Volkswagen Polo, they sometimes note that the latest versions are actually bigger than early Golfs used to be. Thats left space for a succession of smaller VWs in the shape of the Fox, Lupo and now the Up. This is a super-economical little city mover thats designed to put a smile on your face and its had a string of major awards, including being named World Car of the Year.
The entry-level Take Up model was priced at less than £8000 when the car was launched, and you dont get a new Volkswagen for that without it being pretty low on kit. Sure enough, not even central locking or electric windows as standard. Move up to the Move Up model (see what they did there) and you get ESP, air-con and a split-fold rear seat, and things like cruise, parking sensors and leather-look seats become available as options. The High Up range-topper adds alloys, Bluetooth and sat-nav though the latter sits on a stalk on top of the dashboard, in full view of prying eyes.
The 1.0 engine develops 60 horsepower in standard form, but in High Up models its tuned for 75. Neither makes it quick, but with its light weight it bowls along nippily enough and more to the point, whichever model you go for its very economical. Enhancing this still further, both versions are available with VWs BlueMotion Technology features, improving emissions and fuel consumption by around 10%. These models fall into the lowest tax band and will do 75+mpg on a run.
Its not big inside an Up, but theres plenty of room in the front seats and even a big, tall driver wont feel cramped. They might wish the seats themsselves were a bit more supportive, though, especially on longer journeys. The dash is bright and appealing, especially if you choose the optional body-coloured theme for its facia plastics, and theres a suprisingly good range of places to stow your stuff. Legroom in the back is predictably tiny, but theres enough there, and in the boot, to make it work for a young mum-about-town.
Weve mentioned that the Up isnt fast, but it still pulls happily enough for you not to be forever working the gearbox. Not that doing so is a chore, as it has a nice, light action which, along with effortlessly weighted steering, makes it easy as pie to drive in town. It feels small and nimble, for the very good reason that it is. Out on the open road, bumps in the surface jog its body around a fair bit, but theres no harshness through the suspension and the engine note never gets intrusive. You can chuck it around in corners, if thats your thing, and though the steering lacks feel at this speed the body doesnt loll around at all. It does still feel at home out here, even though its obviously at its best around town.
That the Up is cheap to buy and run is pretty obvious. The model tested here is the most expensive in the range, and even with all the kit you get it still looks very affordable. Insurance is as cheap as it gets, and most qualify for free road tax. You wont score much in the way of a dealer discount, but depreciation shouldnt be too painful come sell-on time. Its a cool car at a bargainous price, and whats not to love in that?
