VW up! automatic

An auto-equipped version of the Volkswagen up! city car can be ordered now on both three and five-door versions of the Move up! and High up! models, excluding the BlueMotion package.

Called the ASG, it isn't the same DSG twin-clutch gearbox fitted to other VWs, but an automated version of the five-speed manual that comes as standard on the up!.

Costing an extra £595, the ASG 'box weighs just 3kg more than the manual, and is significantly more compact than a traditional torque converter auto, it's also more efficient than the manual.

The Move up!, which uses the less powerful 59bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, returns 64.2mpg and 103g/km - 1.4mpg and 2g/km better than the manual. The 74bhp High up! returns 62.8mpg and 105g/km - a 2.7mpg and 3g/km improvement.

There are no wheel-mounted paddles for changing gear, but the driver can make manual shift by pushing the gearlever up and down. To get moving the driver simply selects D to drive or R to reverse - and there's no P setting for park once you stop, just neutral.

A three or five-door Move up! with an ASG 'box costs £9,675 and £10,040 respectively, while a three or five-door High up! will set you back £11,110 and £11,475 respectively.