Volkswagen Up review

• For: Space, quality, image
• Against: Skoda and Seat versions are cheaper
• Verdict: The best city car bar none

Seven years after launch, the Up is still the best city car you can buy.

The platform-sharing Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii offer something similar, but neither boasts the image or strong resale values of the VW.

There’s enough room inside for four adults, while the 251-litre boot is OK for a car of this size. Access to the rear seats is tricky in the three-door, making the £400 premium for the five-door Up money well spent. The range includes a hot GTI and electric e-Up.

Four trim levels are available: Take Up, Move Up, High Up and Up Beats.

The Take Up is best avoided as Move Up offers more equipment: 15-inch alloys, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning and a variable boot floor.

All 2020 cars are powered by a 60hp 1.0-litre petrol engine with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The e-Up is a standalone model that offers up to 162 miles of electric range.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2012
• Facelifted: 2016
• Due for replacement: 2022