2013 Volkswagen Up Launch Review
2013 VOLKSWAGEN UP REVIEW
Vehicle style: sub-light hatchback
Engine: 1.0 litre petrol inline three
Power/Torque: 55kW/95Nm
Fuel Use (l/100km): 4.9 l/100km (claimed, manual)
OVERVIEW
Volkswagen has thrown itself into new territory with its new Up hatchback - the first sub-light car for the German automaker.
Undercutting the Polo significantly, it’s now also the cheapest way to get a shiny new Volkswagen badge sitting in your driveway.
But does it cut the mustard? Yes, at the price and for what it is, we’re impressed, and we’ve no doubt it will sell in good numbers.
Volkswagen has simplified the line-up by offering just one model grade with one engine, one transmission and two bodystyles (three door or five door). The range starts at a mere $13,990.
There are, however, some glaring gaps in the Up’s spec sheet that we’d want filled before we’d consider it a contender for ‘best in class’.
The Interior
What first strikes you as you enter the Up’s cabin is the sense of quality. Plastics look durable, fit and finish is generally good and the instrument cluster is clear, legible and nice to look at.
It blows away the Holden Barina Spark and Suzuki Alto for quality, and has a more cohesive design than the Nissan Micra.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel might only be urethane, but it’s a nice shape, comfortable to hold and a good diameter.