CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.1%
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 ever made, combining a compact footprint with surprising practicality and charm. Its confident styling, with an upturned window line and wheel-at-each-corner stance, belies its diminutive size. The cabin is spacious for four adults, well-constructed, and generously equipped on higher trims with air conditioning, remote central locking, and split-folding rear seats. A 251-litre boot provides useful storage, whilst later models feature a smartphone mount with USB charging for convenient navigation.

With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, the Up set new standards for city cars upon arrival. Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines are energetic and peppy, delivering up to 60mpg in real-world driving. The all-electric e-Up offers zero-emission city motoring with modest running costs and exemption from congestion charges. The sporty GTI variant provides an affordable warm hatch experience with six-speed manual transmission. Very modest running costs, low insurance groups, and excellent safety features—including City Emergency Braking—make the Up an exceptionally sensible choice for urban and suburban drivers.

Best for: City drivers seeking a fun, practical, and affordable hatchback; those wanting an electric city car (e-Up); driving enthusiasts interested in the GTI variant; and budget-conscious buyers prioritising low running costs.

Not ideal for: Those requiring significant boot space; drivers preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying); or buyers seeking the latest infotainment technology.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking a fun, practical, and affordable city car; interested in an electric option (e-Up); want an affordable warm hatch (GTI); or prioritise low running costs and excellent safety features.

Consider alternatives if: You require significant boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or desire the latest infotainment technology and premium badge appeal.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is a standout in the city car segment, offering superior driving dynamics, build quality, and charm compared to mechanically identical but cheaper rivals like the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii. Whilst the Hyundai i10 scores marginally higher overall and offers better value deals, the Up's fun-to-drive character, spacious cabin, and diverse model range—including the engaging GTI and practical e-Up—make it the most well-rounded choice. Its production ending in 2023 without a direct replacement underscores its significance as one of the best small cars of its era.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

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