Road Test: Volkswagen up! challenges Vivo

Volkswagen up! road tested in South Africa

The dominance of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo in the small car segment can’t be denied. Every new challenger has tried to lay claim to its turf. Strangely, the Vivo has a new competitor to worry about, and it is straight out of the same headquarters.

Enter the better looking, funkier and more modern Volkswagen up! The name says it all. This little smart city car is for the risers, the over-achievers on the up and up. And while it took its sweet time to get here (it was launched overseas about three years ago), there’s no denying the Volkswagen up! is one charismatic go-getter.

Size matter?

Small cars certainly have their place on our roads and are becoming an ever popular sight. But while they don’t often garner attention, this cutest of Germans has a way of grabbing some serious looks. It’s odd I know. Maybe it’s the novelty factor, but one thing is for sure, the up! breaks the small car mould and offers something rather stylish in it makeup.

The muscular frontal grille, with the cute as a button VW nose, the German’s just do it right. Even the interior cabin has that funky upbeat tone to it. With its clever design, the cabin is surprisingly spacious and roomy.

My test car also came with the sunroof (optional), which really opened up the interior nicely. The addition of cruise control and wireless Bluetooth hints towards that sophistication and needs of the young riser.

In saying that, the lack of steering mounted controls is a letdown, given that VW’s competition are packing these creature comforts as standard in their vehicles. For such a funky and youthful car, it’s almost expected.

However, one thing you can’t fault in the Volkswagen up! is the build quality. Renown from the VW brand, the fit and finish is up there with the rest of the range and even things like the gear-lever feel sturdy and well put together. Coupled with clever use of space, the VW’s small frame can accommodate four occupants. More impressive though, is the 251 litre boot, which is significantly larger that its typical challengers, while with the rear seats fully folded, the cargo space stretches to a handy 951 litres.

Mighty mice

Probably the biggest talking point of the Volkswagen up! has to be the superb little 1-litre engine. Producing 55 kW of power and 95 Nm of torque, it’s a rev happy three-cylinder fire breather that gets nice and chirpy the higher the revs go – much like the buddy who has one too many at the bar. Thankfully the up! has bark and some bite too. Given its small size, the lowdown torque means the up! whizzes around with ease and can comfortably climb to a very decent speed with little or no work.

Fuel consumption is pinned at a healthy 4.7 litres/100km with a corresponding CO₂ emissions rating of 108 g/km and getting moving from standstill to 100km/h takes approximately 13.2 seconds and the top speed is around 171km/h.

Move it, move it

Driving around in VW’s littlest up! is fun and thanks to safety features like ABS and four airbags you constantly feel safe, despite its petite size.

In saying that, after our time together I was left wondering and confused, because while the Volkswagen up! might have its place overseas, in South Africa we have our homegrown honey – the Polo Vivo.

The Vivo won over our hearts years ago. Cramming more space, a bigger engine and greater usability with a more attractive price tag for what you get, Volkswagen might be reaching for the stars with the new up!

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