Volkswagen up!

• Rating:
• For : Great to drive, stylish design, low running costs
• Against : Entry-level versions are very basic, small boot, lack of torque

The Volkswagen up! takes luxuries from big VWs like the Golf and Polo and squeezes them into a four-seat, three-door city car that's about the same size as a Fiat 500. What's most impressive is the level of comfort and luxury on offer. Inside, there really is enough space for four adults. The up! also sets new standards for quality and technology. On the road, all three engines feel responsive, and the car's well priced too.

Our pick: Volkswagen 1.0 (60) Move up! BlueMotion

Styling

There's no missing the new Volkswagen up!. It might be small, but chunky looks, a blunt nose and big window area really help it stand out. Huge VW badges feature front and rear, and there's a shiny black glass tailgate too, which adds a futuristic touch. In profile, there are shades of the new VW Polo - which we think is no bad thing. The cabin is comfortable and neatly styled. We particularly like the quality of the instrumentation, the (optional) detachable Navigon sat-nav and MP3 player.

Driving and Performance

The Volksagen up! was born to rule city streets and thanks to its compact dimensions and tight turning circle, navigating traffic-choked junctions is easy. With only 59bhp, entry-level cars are no dragsters, but thanks to its lightweight 926kg kerbweight they feel agile and responsive. More powerful 74bhp versions are better. Our only criticism is this car's lack of torque. If you want to make a quick getaway, you'll need to rev the engine before dropping the clutch.

MPG and running costs

The up!'s 999cc, three-cylinder petrol engine is equipped with the latest fuel saving technology, and in BlueMotion trim will return 67.2mpg. Volkswagen UK is also evaluating cost-cutting packages like Peugeot's "just add fuel" initiative, which covers monthly finance payments, insurance and servicing. Prices are competitive and used car values look set to be strong.

Practicality

With four seats and a 251 litre boot, the up! is perfect for short journeys with young families. However thanks to split-and-fold rear seats, and a cabin stuffed with generous cubbies, it's both spacious and versatile enough to take whatever family life can throw at it.

Safety and reliability

The up! features a few novel safety systems, including the optional City Emergency Braking. This uses a laser to scan the road ahead and will apply the brakes if it senses an accident is imminent. ESP looks set to be standard on all cars too. It's still too early to judge reliability - but it should be good, thanks to its robust build quality and cutting-edge engineering.