Volkswagen Up 5dr: Test Drive Review

Date: 23 October 2012   |   Author: Jack Carfrae

Category: City car P11D price: £11,185 Key rival: Skoda Citigo

Of greater note is the High Up Bluemotion Tech 75 model. Both the three- and five-door versions come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with either 60hp or 75hp. Until now, fleets had to settle for (admittedly not outrageous) CO2 figures marginally above 100g/km when specifying the more powerful engine, but the addition of VW's clean Bluemotion systems on the 75hp model offers 98g/km and 60.1mpg. This results in sub-100g/km benefits such as a 10% BIK rating and London congestion charge exemption, as well as the 75hp engine's extra clout.

The driving experience is identical to that of the three-door, including an eager little engine, decent ride and tidy handling. In a previous test of the three-door, BusinessCar noted that this car's 15hp advantage over the 60hp version is noticeable and worth having, hence the appeal of this particular model when you consider the perks of its sub-100g/km status. But the pay-off is the P11D, as the 75hp Bluemotion is only available in top-spec High Up guise. Factor in the extra cost of the economy measures and this version has the third-highest P11D of any Up at £11,185 (only the limited edition Black/White and auto models cost more). But at this level it is impressive, with additions such as a portable satnav, Bluetooth and heated front seats a welcome rarity on a city car.

This version is still an inexpensive vehicle by most standards, and the body style's improved practicality means the car's more likely to appear on the radar to fleets, particularly those with low annual mileages.

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