CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,400

Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun to drive around town	Watch out for neglected examples
Competent out of town	Mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii are cheaper to buy
GTI model is a great warm hatch	Basic infotainment system

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is one of the most desirable city cars of its era, demonstrating that very affordable cars needn't be short on ability or charm. Into a very compact footprint, it crams a spacious cabin, relatively high-grade materials and switchgear, plenty of kit on higher trims, and a handsome exterior design. With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, it set new standards for city cars upon arrival. The energetic 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines deliver surprising pep, whilst the all-electric e-Up offers zero-emission city driving with modest running costs and exemption from London's Congestion Charge.

Running costs are exceptionally modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs on the e-Up depending on charging methods. Insurance premiums are very reasonable, with some models in the lowest group. The sporty GTI variant offers warm hatch thrills, whilst the earliest cars, now over a decade old, retain plenty of life if properly maintained. Fun to drive, safe, and surprisingly grown-up on motorways, the Up is a masterstroke of compact car design.

Best for: City dwellers seeking an affordable, fun, and practical car; drivers wanting low running costs; enthusiasts interested in the GTI warm hatch; and those considering electric vehicles with the e-Up variant.

Not ideal for: Buyers needing substantial boot space (251 litres is modest); those preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying); or those seeking the cheaper mechanically identical Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii alternatives.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking an affordable, fun, and practical city car with low running costs, or interested in the GTI warm hatch or e-Up electric variant.

Consider alternatives if: You need substantial boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or want the cheaper mechanically identical Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up is a standout in the city car class, offering superior driving dynamics, quality interior materials, and badge prestige compared to its mechanically identical rivals, the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii, which are available at lower prices. Whilst the Hyundai i10 edges ahead on user ratings and value proposition, the Up's fun-to-drive character, competent motorway manners, and the exciting GTI variant make it a compelling choice for those prioritising driving enjoyment and quality over outright value. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement, making used examples increasingly desirable.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.