CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,500

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 ever made, proving that affordable vehicles needn't compromise on ability or charm. Into its compact footprint, VW crammed a spacious cabin, quality materials, generous equipment on higher trims, and handsome styling. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines are energetic and peppy, whilst the all-electric e-Up offers zero-emission city driving with modest running costs. With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, the Up set new standards for city cars and manages to feel grown-up on the motorway, more like a scaled-down Golf than a typical city car.

Running costs are exceptionally modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs for the e-Up, which is exempt from London's Congestion Charge. Insurance and road tax are very reasonable, whilst consumables like tyres and brake pads are used sparingly. The sporty GTI variant offers warm hatch thrills, whilst the e-Up excels in urban environments. Early examples, now over a decade old, retain plenty of life if properly maintained. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement, making used examples increasingly sought-after.

Best for: City drivers seeking an affordable, fun, and practical hatchback; those wanting a warm hatch alternative (GTI); eco-conscious buyers (e-Up); and drivers prioritising quality and charm over badge prestige.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring significant boot space, those preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying), or those seeking the cheapest mechanically identical alternatives (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking a fun, practical city car with quality and charm; looking for an affordable warm hatch (GTI); wanting zero-emission urban driving (e-Up); or prioritising driving enjoyment over badge prestige.

Consider alternatives if: You need significant boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or want the cheapest mechanically identical option (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 genuine charm that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii offer cheaper purchase prices, the Up commands a premium for its VW badge, superior driving experience, and the excellent GTI variant. The Hyundai i10 edges ahead on user ratings and overall CarGurus rating, but the Up remains the more engaging and characterful choice for drivers prioritising enjoyment alongside practicality. Its exceptional value score and strong deal availability make it an excellent used buy.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

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

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