VW pushes Up! the stakes

Overall a very impressive newcomer - and it almost seems to be smiling at you.

Already hugely popular in Europe, where the pikkie VW has stolen the hearts of a wide segment of the market over the past few years, it is flexing its muscles at key players such the i10 Hyundai, Kia Picanto and Chevrolet Spark.

But even after just a short introductory drive at the wheel of the Up! I am prepared to take on the responsibility of hoisting a clear cautionary flag as a warning to every other small car manufacturer active in this country: this small VW poses a major threat to you all.

Besides its top-class build quality and finish, eye-catching looks and impressive safety features it is also kitted out wall-to-wall with a wide array of fancy goodies, driver aids and comforts. However, probably the most powerful guns in its arsenal are the two prominent VW badges up front and at the rear that reinforce its pedigree as one of most loved and respected motoring families in South Africa.

Choosing a compact...? Check it out first for interior comfort

Compact cars with small engines are clearly the future of motoring and even though we here at the southern tip of Africa are far away from the major Eastern, American and European markets, locals already have the choice of a number of three-cylinder, 1-litre engines under the hoods of the Chevrolet Spark Lite, Ford Ecosport and Fiesta, Geely LC, Kia Picanto, Renault Clio and Sandero, Citroen C3, Smart fortwo, Suzuki Alto and Celerio and Toyota Yaris - most of them surprisingly peppy and frugal, but nearly all sounding a tad gruff and strained under the whip.

The Up! is roomier inside than you might think.

The living quarters of some of these feel and look a bit bargain basement and in a number of these pikkies it is virtually impossible to adjust steering and seating sufficiently to create a comfortable driving position. Head and leg space as well as boot space generally are cramped and the ride, steering and transmission tend to lack in refinement. Ride quality generally is adequate, at best. But in fairness, these are price-sensitive, entry-level cars aimed at first-time car buyers or small families on very restricted budgets.

What is impressive about the new VW Up! is that it really scored surprisingly well in a number of key features and components. The ride quality of the Up! is probably the best in this class. The ride is good and the cabin is well insulated, particularly against engine noises.

Even coffin-dodgers can't complain

Like most of these small-engined cars the VW has a five-speed manual transmission and typical of VW, it really is smooth and easy to use. Among the many plus ticks I gave the car, luggage and occupant space scored well with quality of the finishings and the simple but attractive design and lay-out and the intuitive placement of switches and dials also scoring good Brownie points.

In fact, both my driving partner and I could not find a single thing wrong with the car - which is most unusual, coming from two critical and grumpy senior citizens!

The boot is roomy - and bonus... you have a full-size spare.

Although it will play in roughly the same segment of the market as the VW Vivo, it will not replace the current top-seller in the VW stable. As it is, the Up! will only be available in three-door styling in this country, unlike the five-door choice in Europe, which means it will probably appeal more to the younger end of the market.

In spite of its size the Up! easily accommodates four biggies plus about 251-litres of luggage. The Up! is offered in two versions, the Take UP! and the Move up!, both powered by a 1-litre, three-cylinder engine that produces 55kW and 95Nm which is transmitted to the front wheels with the assistance of a five-speed box.

On the smell of an oil rag

The Up! will no doubt find favour with the tree-huggers and polar bears because of its frugal fuel-sipping consumption of just 4.7-litres/100km.

The Up! is very light on fuel - a boon even in these days of cheaper fuel (which, as we all know, won't stay at this level... though we can but hope).

On the winding, undulating roads of the Boland the cheeky Up! surprised with its keenness to trot and overtaking slow traffic was a doddle. It hugs the tarmac with lots of confidence and even a gusting south-easter along the False Bay coastline couldn't unsettle it. The ride quality is of a level one would generally associate with a slightly bigger, more expensive car.

Where the Up! also struck the right note was in the safety department with protective kit such as four airbags and ABS brakes. Cabin luxuries include height-adjustable front seats and steering wheel, central locking, a good sound system with two speakers and CD/MP3 ability as well as electric windows.

Loads of extras

As is the general trend these days, VW also offers a number of optional extras to add some personal touches to the Up! Our bright and cheerful Move Up! version was decked out in cheerful Sunflower Yellow and the extra kit on our launch car included a panoramic sunroof (R8,000), Sound Plus Package (R800), Waffle 15-inch alloy wheels (R3,000), Driver Package (R3,500) which includes cruise control, rear park distance control and a multi-function display) plus a winter package (R3,200) that adds heated front seats, electric side mirrors and front fog lights. The standard price of this model is R140,500 but the above extras pushed the price to R159,000.

VW also deserved a pat on the back for kitting out the Up! with a full size spare wheel as a standard component, unlike the Marie biscuit emergency spare wheels preferred by most other manufacturers to reduce weight and costs.

Overall a very impressive newcomer, this new Up! - small in size, but destined to make big waves in this segment.

Team Review: Volkswagen Up! - Fifth Gear

Volkswagen Up! review - CarBuyer

The New VW Up! review