Volkswagen Up! Reviews

A Volkswagen at $13,990 seems too good to be true. But the Up is not just another Volkswagen and, in many ways, has more in common with the original Beetle than the Golf that has set the benchmark in the small-car class for more than a decade.The baby Up - it's even smaller than Volkswagen's Polo, it's previous starter car in Australia - is intended to be starting-price motoring for anyone who wants to hit the road. The Up comes as a three-door hatch at $13,990 in Australia, or a five-door for $14,990, but the basics are the same and quite basic."One engine, one transmission, two boy choices," says Anke Koeckle, managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia. "I think this is the people's car again. The Beetle was all about making it affordable to the whole world and the Up is also focussed on mobility and affordability."VALUEThe Up is a global car and that means - just like the Big Mac - that it's the same taste but tweaked to the pockets of local buyers. So that means $13,990 for Australians, well below the Polo and right into the range of cars like the Nissan Micra and Holden Barina. It's more costly than the current bargain-basement leader, the Suzuki Alto at $11,990, but there are plenty of obvious reasons why it costs more.The standard specification for the Up is nicely meaty, with everything from remote central locking and power steering to aircon and front electric windows. But the rear windows only pop out, they don't wind, and there is no automatic gearbox.The big bonus comes on the safety front, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating that's expected to be repeated in Australia, and a radar-guided anti-collision system that's a major breakthrough at this price. By the end of the week it's also likely that Volkswagen will have welcome news for Up shoppers about the running costs of their car, too.TECHNOLOGYThe Up is straightforward and simple: a 1-litre, three-cylinder engine in the nose, a four-seater cabin that's just big enough for the job, a reasonable boot and full-sized spare. The big technology tweak is the City Emergency Braking system, which uses a forward radar to detect imminent collisions and car brake automatically at up to 30km/h. VW says it is a major advance and it's standard for Australia.The engine makes a meagre 55 kiloWatts of power and 95 Newton-metres of torque, but it only has to move 880 kilograms. VW says the fuel economy is 4.5 litres/100km running on 95-octane unleaded.DESIGNThe Up is a box. Nothing special at all about it. The nose has a bit of personality, with a smiley face, but otherwise it's all about jamming the biggest possible cabin into a car that's less than three metres in length.The cabin is typically Volkswagen and typically Germanic, which means efficient and not particularly inviting. But when you look around it has everything you need, with a couple of nice touches - like the flat-bottom steering wheel - to relieve the hard plastic and painted metal surfaces.SAFETYThe Up has already hit the five-star standard in Europe and VW says the result will be mirrored in Australian testing, which is already underway. It only has four airbags, with no head support for the rear, but there is that radar system, audible seat belt warnings, and the usual ESP and ABS, but with only drum brakes on the rear.DRIVINGThe first impression of the Up is good - the doors shut with a thunk, not a Coke-can clink like most of the true tiddlers sold in Australia. The cabin is nice enough, with reasonable seats - and height adjustment for the driver - clear instruments and typically-VW controls and switches.It all works, and that's all you really need. The engine has the irregular beat of a three-cylinder but propels the Up well enough, at least for its size and price. It's no fireball, and sometimes you have to row the gears to get it up a hill, but it is what it is.The same is true for the suspension, which thumps a bit over city potholes but smooths out when you get to 80km/h. The handling is, well, what it is. The brakes are fine. The level of road and noise is fine.If this all sounds to be a bit underwhelming, it's not. But no-one shopping in the sub-$15,000 class - and often considering a better deal than a secondhand car - is expecting a Rolls-Royce or Ferrari.The Up is a good deal at a good price, although the lack of an automatic gearbox is a big negative and anyone who wants Bluetooth connectivity for their phone - with the bonus of satnav and a classy trip computer - will have to spend more for the $500 Map+More package. For what it is, and what it costs, and what its up against, the Up cannot fail. Right now, it looks like a four-star car in Australia.VERDICTThe spiritual successor to the Beetle, in everything but shape, is a good deal at the right time.Volkswagen UpPrice: from $13,990Engine: 1-litre 3-cyl petrol, 55kW/95NmTransmission: 5 speed manualThirst: 4.5L/100km (95 RON)

We have been waiting for a while to drive this little car, which Volkswagen is adding to the city light-car field.

A cheap, micro-size hatch that will slash your commuting costs generally sucks out all the fun of getting to work.Not any more. Volkswagen has made a car that will make you start looking forward to driving to work, make you smile when you refill it and make your friends envious with its versatility and low running costs.However, for about $15,000, the European-made Up is just about the worse headache for any aspiring Chinese car maker.The Up gets here late this year in three and five-door formats, with one three-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox - but an automatic will be here early next year - and two trim levels.It is the sister to the Skoda Citigo that will be on sale in Australia early in the new year at a small price discount to the Up. Both share the body and drivetrain with the only distinction being minor cabin trim and different noses and tails.The Up replaces the three-door Polo variants and becomes Volkswagen’s price leader. But it’s not built down to a price, doesn’t look cheap and certainly doesn’t perform like a low-rent import.I’m driving the five-door Up in Wolfsburg in the shadow of the factory that makes Volkswagens - but not the Up because the new baby is built in Slovakia.The previous week I drove the manual version of the Skoda clone in Portugal. But, unexpectedly, Volkswagen has lent me its new automatic model. I don’t complain.VALUE So we think the Up will start at $15,000, adding about $1500 for the auto. It’s a budget car so it’s unlikely you’d opt for the sunroof. Satellite navigation is optional but consider it because it neatly integrates audio, telephone hands-free plus you won’t get lost.So you may have burnt nearly $20,000 before it’s on the road and suddenly it’s not a cheap car. Economy is brilliant - Volkswagen claims about 4.5 l/100km and I returned 5.1 l/100km without being soft on it. Commute 200km a week and you’ll get change out of $15 - catch the bus or train and you’ll blow about $35 a week.It runs on 95 petrol. Do your homework first - the Up equates in cabin space to a Yaris, Mazda2 or Hyundai Accent but is shorter on the outside. It gets a good equipment level but it’s most endearing feature is it is very practical, very simple and so cute that it’s possibly on its way to become a cult car.DESIGN It’s basically a chamfered box that is a petite 3.5m long. It’s very Teutonic in its design so looks purposeful. The tailgate is a glass panel, while the rear doors don’t have wind-down windows (they are hinged) and the boot has a double floor with room for a full-size spare. The 60/40 split rear seats fold almost flat.The cabin is fresh and even delights with visible painted metal, perforated cloth trim, simple controls (one main speedo flanked by a weeny tacho and fuel gauge) and yet will seat two adults in the rear. The base model (Take-Up or Move-Up) gets 14-inch steel wheels and the top-line one - called High-Up - has 15-inch alloys.TECHNOLOGY The engine is a three-cylinder turbo-petrol and Volkswagen says it has no plans to make a diesel version because this one’s economical enough. There’s a five-speed manual or five-speed automated manual (clutchless) with electric-assist steering and simple suspension. The key is its strong and rigid chassis that makes the simple mechanical bits work so well. For example, the ride comfort and handling are very good and this car is the best in its class. That makes it fun and safe to drive.SAFETY Volkswagen is claiming a five-star crash rating which is made all the more  impressive given it has - and only needs - four airbags. There’s the company’s City Emergency Braking system to prevent you running into the guy in front at low speeds, stability control and brake assist. The spare tyre size is unknown but the wheel well will fit full-size rubber.DRIVING Three cylinders may sometimes mean lots of unpleasant vibration and an unusual exhaust note, but no-one told Volkswagen. The 1-litre will spin easily to 6500rpm and pump out its 55kW/95Nm with eagerness. The manual gearbox (as tested in the Citigo) is lovely but the clutchless manual needs a bit of patience. Basically you can leave it in Drive or click up and down the five cogs via the gearshifter. There is a pause between each gear which can be annoying but take your time and it’s an easy box to use if you’re not in a big hurry. Delightfully, it blips on downchanges so you can at least pretend you’re an ace driver. Ride comfort is very good. The body is tight, there’s no suspension noise over rough bitumen and the steering is light but has sufficient feel to make it enjoyable to steer.Rear drum brakes look odd but there’s no problem with their stopping power. Basically, it’s the best small-car for the city and that may get re-rated if the Kia Picanto, Citroen C1 or Peugeot 107 make it to Australia.VERDICT Do yourself a favour and go and drive this thing when it arrives about November. Lots of fun, so sensible and very well made. Love it.VOLKSWAGEN UPPrice: est. from $15,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: n/aService Interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsSafety Equipment: four airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starsEngine: 55W/95Nm 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrolBody: 5-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 3540mm (L);1641m (W); 1478mm (H); 2420mm (WB)Weight: 929kgTransmission: 5-spd manual/5-spd auto; front-wheel-driveEconomy: 4.5 l/100km; 95 RON; 105g/km CO2

The tiny Volkswagen Up will set many benchmarks when it gets here in late 2012, and on the surface none of them seem appealing. It will be the smallest Volkswagen sold here, the least powerful new car on the entire market, and the cheapest car from a German brand.But, with an expected price below $15,000, it will put the Volkswagen badge within reach of more buyers on a budget. And for Volkswagen, that's what the Up is all about.Say hello to the little car with big aspirations. The Volkswagen Up is smaller than a Nissan Micra yet more spacious than the bigger Mini Cooper. Its cutesy design and styling will draw attention, but it's the badge that will ultimately seal the deal.Volkswagen believes the Up will appeal primarily to two core groups; young buyers on a budget, and older buyers keen to downsize. So we can expect a sharp entry price to please the former  sub $15,000  and a lengthy list of options to keep the latter in the comfort they desire.The Up 3-door was launched this month in Europe but Australia must wait until late 2012 for its arrival Downunder. Volkswagen says that's because European demand is high; more likely it's because they're waiting for the 5-door due at the end of 2012 which will appeal more to Australians.VALUEIn Europe, the Up starts at E9850 (about $14,000) and comes in three specification levels: Take Up, Move Up and High Up. More cutesy stuff, but it's all about making the Up stand out.Only the most expensive model, the High Up (E12,450, $18,000), gets electric mirrors, air-conditioning and a radio/CD player. All Australian models surely will have a sound system and air-conditioning standard, otherwise the sub-$15k price on the starter model becomes a bad joke.And Volkswagen has confirmed that model won't be called the Up start.Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and satellite navigation are available on European models, and will probably be cost options in Australia, too.So the Up is going to struggle for outright value in a market segment dominated by bigger cars like the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris. Admittedly only that last one matches the Up's sub-$15k proposition in a three-door. Even against Up-sized cars like the Nissan Micra, Suzuki Alto and Holden Barina Spark, the Up struggles to represent good value, given that their ranges all kick off around $12,990.It all depends on what you're prepared to pay for a Volkswagen badge, and the less-visible inherent value that brings, such as driving pleasure, reliability and resale value. But let's not forget Volkswagen's high servicing costs and the Up's thirst for more expensive premium unleaded. Those last two could be deal-breakers for buyers on a budget.TECHNOLOGYAll Up models are front-wheel drive and come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which requires premium unleaded to produce a meagre 44kW, or 55kW in high-tune form, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.An automated version of this transmission will arrive in 2012 which does away with the clutch and the need to change gears, but is unlikely to be as smooth as a true automatic gearbox.Cheap cars are often light-on for headline technology, and the Up's no different. You won't find radar cruise control or lane-keeping systems here, not in a car starting below $15,000. But the options list will have some smart systems, like the city emergency brake feature which hits the anchors if it senses an imminent frontal impact.The Up will also get a stop-start system that cuts the engine when the car is not moving.DESIGNVolkswagen's designers were keen to ensure the Up did not look cheap despite the cheap price, and they succeeded. The Up's design is characterful and visually appealing, though not as overtly so as the more expensive Mini Cooper and Fiat 500. The Up really turned heads during my familiarisation drive on the streets of Rome, a European city which clearly loves small cars.The Up's lines are pleasing, its stance is strong and its big grin is infectious. Five colours will be offered, though I particularly like the Up in white with matching white wheel-covers.The interior continues the clever design theme, using the exterior paint colour to add levity to what could easily have been a Spartan space given the relative dearth of equipment. Gaily-covered seats on the upmarket models also help.SAFETYElectronic stability control and anti-lock brakes will be standard on all Aussie Ups. As for airbags, well here's where Volkswagen Australia faces a significant challenge. The Up's three main rivals offer front and side airbags for front seat occupants and curtain airbags for both rows. The Volkswagen Up only has front and front-side airbags, and has not been engineered to take curtain airbags which are proven injury reducers in side impacts.As for the Up's crash test credentials, one high-placed VW source told CarsGuide the company is not happy with the as-yet unreleased results of the Up's initial testing by EuroNCAP. Word is the Up scored only four stars, the same as its major rivals, but that the standard fitment of a longer bumper (developed for countries outside Europe) would improve pedestrian safety and make the Up a five-star car.Negotiations were ongoing as we went to press.DRIVINGThis Up ain't no downer. Slide into its classy cabin and it's clear this cheerful cheapie wasn't built down to a price. The interior exudes the same quality feel as other Volkswagen cars, partly because much of the switchgear is shared with Polo and Golf.The VW Up is just 3.54m long and 1.48m tall, tiny even by tiny-car standards (the Nissan Micra is 5cm taller and 24cm longer, for example), but it's surprisingly roomy inside. Indeed, the interior was a key focus for Volkswagen's development team. It had to be spacious and classy, two characteristics not usually associated with this end of the market.There's room for adults in the front and back seats, and boot-space is decent. Volkswagen claims 281 litres, which is far beyond the Micra's 221 litres. But that's because the Up carries no spare tyre in Europe, though Volkswagen may choose to offer one locally.There's nothing wrong with the Up's driving position and all-round vision, and the seat is supportive, though some may lament the lack of in-out adjustability for the steering wheel.At idle the 55kW engine is barely audible and barely felt, which is unusual for an inherently unstable three-cylinder configuration. It does need a few revs to move off or the clutch's abrupt take-up will cause it to labour. With just 92Nm of torque on offer, the Up's performance is never scintillating. VW claims 0-100km/h in a sloth-like 13.2 seconds  but it actually feels quicker than that, and the engine can be pushed without it becoming coarse or noisy.The front-drive Up has enough punch to handle city traffic and the five-speed manual transmission is willing and smooth, though gearchanges are necessary to cope with hills and to deliver on any urgent requests for acceleration.The optional five-speed automatic, essentially a robotised version of the manual and not a super-smooth double-clutch DSG as offered on Polo and Golf, was not available to drive at launch.On the move the Up continues to distance itself from its rivals, most noticeably with its quiet cabin, and soft yet stable ride which is compliant over the bumps and delivers a relatively firm stance through corners.Light and quick steering makes the Up effortless to park and nimble in traffic.Dare I say it? The VW Up is an entertaining and engaging little car to drive. It's all very German and very Volkswagen, and that's unique in a sub-$15,000 car.Is that enough to forgo the equipment its rivals offer at the same price? And to suffer Volkswagen's high servicing costs and the premium unleaded sting in the pocket every time you fill up?For some it will be. Because, just like the Polo and Golf, the Up may cost more than its rivals, but it also delivers more of the good life.VERDICTA Volkswagen badge has never been so affordable.VOLKSWAGEN UPPrice: from $14,990 (ets)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 68 per cent (est)Service interval: 10,000kmSafety: 4 starsEngine: 1.0-litre, 55kW, 92NmBody: 3-door hatch Weight: 929kgTransmission: 5-sp manual, front-wheel driveThirst: 4.3L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 99g/km.