Volkswagen Up review

The Up offers a choice of two petrol options, either 60bhp or 75bhp versions of the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor. Whichever level you go for, the engine delivers a throaty and likeable rasp, somewhat at odds with its sensible personality, and performs well in its natural habitat. The five-speed manual gearbox is fine too, with a positive action: much better than the optional (and very jerky) automated manual. New for 2014 is an all-electric Up, which has proven to be everything we'd hoped for - all the familiar Up sophistication with the added response, refinement and, er... limited range of an EV.

The Up is a city car, so it has to be easy to drive, and Volkswagen has given its new baby light steering and controls. The ride is good too, and, unlike most other cars in the class, it’s more than capable of tackling a long motorway stint. Refinement and stability are both class leading.