Used car check
VW Up – practical, short and pretty good
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The VW Up is a practical car that is also ideal for the city due to its short length. Before buying a previously owned model, you should take a closer look, including the equipment.
The Up was Volkswagen's entry-level model between the end of 2011 and the end of 2023 and, like its corporate brothers Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo, rolled off the assembly line in Bratislava. The successor to the unfortunate Fox should set standards again, especially when it comes to quality. TÜV knows whether this was successful.
Quality
The VW Up leaves a pretty good impression at HU.
(Photo: VW)
Overall, the small car leaves a decent impression during the general TÜV inspections. Axles and steering do not cause any problems across all years. Oil loss, on the other hand, is an issue with younger models, and complaints about the lighting systems particularly affect the younger models. The TÜV inspectors criticized the functionality of the foot and parking brakes across all years.
Body and interior
Initially launched as a three-door model, VW added the five-door version of the small car in 2012. As a cross, the Up was available in its own off-road design and with a slightly higher body. With a length of 3.54 meters, the Up is suitable for the hustle and bustle of the city; its design looks grown-up and timeless. Its space is okay; getting into the rear is easier in the five-door than in the three-door. The trunk volume varies between 251 and 959 liters.
The cockpit of the VW Up is simple, but modern and functional.
(Photo: VW)
The cockpit offers good ergonomics, good seats and intuitive operation in all variants, and the numerous shelves are also positive. An exotic item on the used car market is the Load Up van version, which has a loading area instead of the rear seat.
In 2016, the Up received a facelift, including factory-fitted LED daytime running lights.
Engines and drive
The space in the VW Up is okay.
(Photo: VW)
The Up's engine range consisted of a one-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine in various versions. Without turbo support, the petrol engine produced 44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP, the turbos achieved 66 kW/90 HP or 85 kW/115 HP (GTI). The standard consumption values were between 4.4 and 4.7 liters. A natural gas version with 50 kW/58 hp supplemented the engine range. The electric Up had an output of 60 kW/82 hp and initially only had a small battery of 16.4 kWh, which enabled a range of up to 180 kilometers. A 32.3 kWh battery has been on board since 2019. Except for the E model, shifting is done via manual gearboxes with five or six gears; alternatively, there was an automated manual gearbox for the naturally aspirated gasoline engines, but this is technically fragile.
Equipment and security
Five doors ensure that the VW Up is suitable for everyday use.
(Photo: VW)
The basic versions such as Take-Up, which were initially offered for around 10,000 euros, were frugally equipped and featured, among other things, without air conditioning and with an open glove compartment and a one-piece rear seat. If you want a little comfort, look for versions like Move-Up, High-Up or special models like “Color Up”, “White Up” or “Black Up”. The surcharge list was extensive, offering things like a glass sunroof, reversing camera, sports suspension, 17-inch model or even navigation system. The safety level was very good for a small car.
Conclusion
Between 251 and 959 liters fit in the trunk of the VW Up.
(Photo: VW)
Small new cars are rare, so interested parties have to turn to the used car market. A fresh TÜV sticker is recommended to avoid expensive problems such as oil loss.
Around 5,000 used VW up are currently available for sale on mobile.de. It starts at around 2000 euros for models with very high mileage and basic equipment. For better-equipped models you have to invest at least 3,500 euros. Used E-Up models are available from 7,000 euros.
