La Bonne Occaz EP.30 : Volkswagen Up! - The Mystery of the Surprising and Spacious City Car!

In a world where everyone seems to be overdoing it with massive SUVs and minivans that could house NASA, the Volkswagen Up! appears like a little joke on wheels. Who would have thought that a city car could outshine the behemoths? It has been swimming against the current for years, and despite its small size, it continues to stay afloat on the tumultuous seas of the automotive industry.

The Cubic Design: Cool or Mediocre?

When talking about car design, the Volkswagen Up! doesn’t quite come close to the masterpieces of modern art, but, for a city car, let’s admit it, it doesn’t do so badly. With a square shape that would make a Rubik's cube blush, the model, released in 2011, manages quite well not to age. Those front lights, though gargantuan, do the job, while its imposing bumper could cause confusion on the streets, as you’d swear you see a miniature version of an SUV. A delightful paradox, isn’t it?

Accessing the Back: Easy Mission

On this 5-door version, two companions can comfortably settle in the back, far from the heat cone created by the driver… well, up to a point! Admittedly, the legroom is not fit for a family road trip, but at this price point, who’s really going to complain? Especially since with a trunk of 272 L, you can easily fit a few shopping bags or souvenirs from a weekend adventure.

Inside: A World of Simplicity

Inside, you discover a dashboard that hasn’t managed to incorporate those gadgets worthy of James Bond. Here, simplicity reigns supreme, and with a fascinating irony, it can even turn out to be refreshing. Without a touchscreen and with an analog speedometer, the Volkswagen Up! brings us back to the days when controls were still handled with buttons. A nostalgic breath that should warm the hearts of purists!

Trims: When Cleverness Rhymes with Economy

The entry-level version, the Take Up!, is as empty as a politician’s promise during a campaign. But don’t despair! The Move Up! adds a little touch to life, with a radio and electric windows. Nevertheless, air conditioning is there, like a bad joke from a comedian at the end of their career, struggling to not be hilarious, but whose absence in the base versions remains hard to justify in 2025!

Performance and Engine: Jumping from Town to Road

Can you really make leaps with a city car? Well, not really if you go for the modest 1L with 60 hp. Expect a ride that reminds you to go pick up bread while avoiding sporty trajectories. Fortunately, the Volkswagen Up! does offer a version with 75 hp, and with a manual transmission, you are then in the artistic blur of traffic avoidance. For those who want to dare even more, the 1L TSI with 90 hp is the option for you, but it’s less common than a homemade dish in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

What Risks to Anticipate?

Ah, reliability, that dear benevolent amorphous creature that every vehicle claims to possess. The Volkswagen Up! has its little secrets. The gearbox can be problematic, a questionnaire to see if it’s a good one! Also check the state of the clutch, as an engine that runs without stalling when disengaging requires a trip to the garage… if you don’t want to empty your wallet at high speed.

The Good Deal

For this episode, a good deal has been found: a 2013 Volkswagen Up! in High Up! trim with the 75 hp engine and only 52,000 km on the clock for €6,500. A true favorite that could even make a brand new SUV driver envious. At these prices, humor and rationality intertwine, and that feels good in this brutal world!

Source: www.autoplus.fr

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