Volkswagen up! hatchback - Interior & comfort

For such a small and relatively inexpensive car, the Volkswagen up! is quite classy inside. The up! has the same standard of fit and finish as more senior models in the Volkswagen range, while lots of customisation options on higher-spec models means you don’t have to compromise on style, either.

Volkswagen up! dashboard

The quality of plastics inside the up! is excellent and the dashboard also features a swathe of coloured trim that gives it some youthful appeal. Getting into a comfortable driving position in the up! is simple and all models come with a steering wheel that adjusts for height. All models now have a height-adjustable driver’s seat too.

The up! has been on sale since 2011 and the interior is starting to show its age. There’s no infotainment screen - you have to use the smartphone dock and an app for that. Most versions of the latest Hyundai i10 have a crisp eight-inch screen, and VW’s smartphone holder is a bit at odds with the general design and build quality.

Equipment

The entry-level model, simply called up!, now comes with much more standard kit than before. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, split-folding rear seats and DAB radio are all now included, alongside electric front windows, Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights and a cooled glovebox. White and Black Edition cars get bigger wheels and exterior details in a contrasting colour.

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More generously equipped is the Beats edition. Aimed at younger buyers, it comes with a model-specific styling pack and a 300W 'Beats by Dre' sound system, including a subwoofer in the boot. It also features privacy glass, floor mats and ambient lighting. The top-of-the-tree R-Line model gives you a sportier body kit and lowered suspension, plus heated front seats, cornering fog lights and leather-trimmed touchpoints.

The Volkswagen Connect app became standard across the up! range in early 2018. It lets you remotely check your car’s fuel level and when it needs servicing from your smartphone, as well as providing ways to summon assistance.

Options

There are plenty of colour choices, and you can further personalise the up! with a white or black roof. Inside, Volkswagen offers several tempting options you’d normally find on much more expensive models. Two-zone air conditioning costs £290, a winter pack (heated seats, heated mirrors and cornering fog lights) costs £380 and the cruise and park pack (cruise control, all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera) seems reasonable at £450.