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2016 Volkswagen Street UP! Review

Engine: The Street UP! is available in a 3 or 5 door and the version I recently tested was fitted with a 999cc 75PS engine that is one of the best no turbo units I have come across in recent years. Fuel consumption is around the 60mpg range if you drive it without pushing too hard on the throttle. Top speed is around 106mph – but who drives that fast anyway. 0-62 will arrive in around 13sec. I know what you are all thinking – is it slow. Well actually it nips around really well and it does not feel underpowered at all. Plus I recently had to take the lads to a football match and it managed very well full to the brim with four guys plus. There is a BlueMotion version – but the standard version is very fuel efficient – so I don’t see the need, same as I don’t see the need for an automatic gearbox version – but needs must I suppose.

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On the road: The little UP! Is a scream – it’s easy to drive and feels brilliant for such a small car. I used to own a Fiat 500 and I have to say that the little UP! Is as good as the little Fiat – if not that little bit better. Remember this is not a race car; it’s a eco warrior that was designed to save you fuel and money as well as look good and keep you in with what’s hip and trendy right now. So, for handling I would give it four out of five as it’s as good as its competition when the road gets twisty. One thing I do dislike is the road noise – but with those Eco tyres fitted – this is something you will have to live with.

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Inside: As with all Volkswagen’s the interior is a little bland – but functional, but I like the body coloured dash panel and I think the centre Speedo gives it a better feel overall. The seats are very good and hold you firm, but I do think they could have been a little better – but for the price of the UP! I can see why this was not possible.

There is an array of kit inside the little Street UP! Version too – The Street up! is literally streets ahead when it comes to style and specification. The eye-catching exterior is designed to turn heads with ‘Upsilon’ 16 inch alloy wheels, ‘Street’ decals on the bonnet, roof and door panels. The front fog lights with chrome trimmed surround and rear tinted glass from the B pillar back gives it a limo sort of appeal. Inside, the story continues with special ‘Street’ upholstery and a leather, trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with yellow, contrast stitching and ‘up!’ logo insert.

Safety: The safety side of the UP! Is impressive too – with standard equipment like: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, Side head/thorax airbag system for front passengers, Electronic engine immobiliser, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including, hill hold, EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Traction Control), Isofix child seat preparation (for 2 rear child seats).

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To sum up: The little Street UP! Is a great little car for doing the school run and for all the times when you needed to nip into town to do a little retail therapy. There is no doubt in my mind that the Street UP! will live with you for a very long time and you will instantly replace it with another when the time is right. To be honest it’s like your secret little friend that will make you feel happy every time you turn the key and go off on another little adventure.

Price: £12,225 RRP not including fitted options (3 door)
Top speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 13.2sec
Economy: 61.4mpg (combined) emissions g/km (106)
Engine: 1.0 Petrol
Power: 75PS at 6200rpm
Torque: 90Nm at 3000 – 4300rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual

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