Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen up! (2012-2023) - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The Volkswagen Up is a small car with a small engine, which means low running costs

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs rating

4.2

How we review cars

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2012-2023 Volkswagen up! city car. If you are interested in information about a used Volkswagen up!, or news about the latest Volkswagen models, please follow the links provided.

If you order a Volkswagen up! today the only engine available is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol motor that produces 64bhp and produces CO2 emissions of up to 119g/km. According to Volkswagen, the three-door up! can deliver a maximum combined economy of 55.4mpg, while the five-door version will return 54.3mpg at best.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen doesn’t offer a diesel or hybrid engine with the up! and the 113bhp up! GTI is no longer available to order. If you buy a secondhand example of the GTI though, it's only slightly less efficient than the less sporty models, rated to deliver  51.4mpg and emit 125g/km of CO2.

The fully-electric e-up! is no longer part of VW's line-up, either. But again, find a used example and the 36.8kWh battery in newer models should allow for a maximum range of 159 miles (based on the WLTP test cycle that is), while older models can cover less than 100 miles on a single charge.

Insurance groups 

Being a small car with a focus on value, the Volkswagen up! is about as cheap to insure as it gets. The entry-level three-door up! sits in group 2 out of 50, as does the base five-door model, while Black Edition, Beats and R-Line variants all land in group 3. As a result, the VW up! will make a great car for learner drivers, who normally pay high premiums to insure their cars. Unsurprisingly, premiums will predictably rise if you opt for the GTI, as this sits in group 17.

Depreciation 

The Volkswagen up! is predicted to keep around 55 per cent of its original value after an average ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles. 

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our FREE car valuation tool...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution
Connecting charger to Hyundai Tucson PHEV

Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution

Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
News
19 May 2025
New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return
Ford Fiesta exclusive image

New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini’s potential return

The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here’s everything we know so far
News
20 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025