VW UP!

The world of the sub 13 thousand dollar car has just improved substantially (at least temporarily more on that later)with the arrival of the new VW UP!

Having driven three cylinder cars before, notably the Indian made Suzuki Alto..I wasn't expecting too much from the one litre powerplant in the VW.

However to my surprise it has a handy turn of speed through a nicely weighted five speed gearbox, but with just 55 kw and 95nm of torque it could struggle with four adults and luggage aboard. 

Nevertheless,the sound of the three pot whirring away under acceleration is quite entertaining.. even bordering on sporty! 

What also amazed me was its silence when on the move.Even at 100 ks on the highway, road and wind noise are masterfully muted. UP! averages 4.9. litres per 100 kays.Standard kit also includes an emergency stop mode between 5 and 30 kays an hour if something suddenly appears in front of the car, it will apply emergency braking by itself.. and that's not found in any other car in this class. 

 At idle there's barely a hint of three cylinder vibration.. it's very subtle, just enough to let you know you're being powered by just one litre. Ventilation is okay but there are no central vents facing the occupants, just one fixed outlet on the dash top which is mildly annoying on hot days as the air flow from it can't be channelled directly onto the faces of those in front, leaving that job to swivelling vents on the outer edge of the fascia.

Other things that impressed were the roominess and comfort of the of the cabin, which is only marginally narrower than it's larger sibling the Polo.

At  6" 3" or 183 cm tall I found plenty of space for my head and legs.. however those sitting behind me would struggle unless they were short or a child.

No dead pedal for the drivers left foot was mildly annoying but having driven many older cars without one, I easily adapted.

Seat comfort is excellent... no scrimping on the padding here. and the steering wheel is adjustable for rake only. Ride  comfort is incredible for a sub light vehicle.. handling the bumps of suburbia like a much larger car... 

Spirited cornering inspires confidence ,, there's no feeling the Up won't hang on and get you safely through.

 Some items are missing of course.. cruise control, sun visor mirror on drivers side, trip computer and cords to hold up the rear luggage cover are also absent.

But on the plus side you still get auto door locking,unlock, electric windows, power door mirrors, and multi adjustable (manually) driver's pew.

And there's the optional $500 "Maps and More Portable Entertainment Device (PID) screen providing Multi function trip computer,Media picture player, Bluetooth, Audio streaming and sat nav.

Other options include a $1400 electric glass sunroof, and a $2600 comfort style package that delivers alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather seats,leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, heated front seats and variously UP logo'd car mats. 

The light airy feeling inside the three door, is enhanced  by long doors with plenty of large glassed areas.There's a six speaker sound system but no steering wheel audio controls. 

The rear tailgate incidentally is an all glass affair.. and very easy to operate. Luggage room back there is obviously not huge but has  more space under a removable floor, and is more than adequate for the weekly shop and smaller items. The cargo cover has no elastic supports and needs to be manually returned to its closed position.

 Rear seats fold forward for extra room. I enjoyed the Up very much and it more than competes with other littlies like the slightly larger Getz, Swift, or Mazda 2. 

VW offering an initial  drive away price for the three door UP! of $12,990. 

Regular on road price for the three door is $16,500 and the five door 17,500. The UP! is a car I would wholeheartedly  recommend for those wanting the ultimate quality urban runabout.
Peter Sellen

Peter Sellen