Volkswagen Up

City car, 3-door and 5-door hatchback · 2012 to 2023

The Volkswagen Up is a compact city car that arrived in the UK in 2012, sitting below the Polo as VW's smallest and most affordable model. It shares its underpinnings with the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. Most UK examples use a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, offered in naturally aspirated and later turbocharged GTI form, with manual or automated manual gearboxes. An all-electric e-Up version was also sold, aimed at buyers wanting zero-emission city motoring. Body styles were offered as 3-door or 5-door hatchbacks, with trims ranging from basic Take Up models to sportier Up GTI and R-Line variants. There was a single generation throughout its UK run, with periodic trim and equipment updates. The Up remained popular for first-time drivers, urban commuters and as a compact second car, valued for its light controls, small footprint and simple mechanicals, before VW ended production in 2023.

Fuel and powertrain options

The Volkswagen Up is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Electric (e-Up)

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Volkswagen Up. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches and sills, a known weak point on earlier cars
Inspect front suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links for wear, common on higher-mileage examples
Test the operation of the electric windows and central locking, which can develop faults with age
Examine the timing chain tensioner on 1.0-litre petrol engines for unusual rattling noises on start-up
Check the condition of the clutch and gear linkage on manual models, as wear can affect selection

Frequently asked questions

What engines were available in the Volkswagen Up in the UK?

The majority of UK Up models used a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, including a turbocharged version in the GTI. An electric e-Up variant was also offered for buyers wanting a zero-emission option.

Is the Volkswagen Up a good first car?

It is a popular choice for new drivers thanks to its compact size, light steering and simple controls, though buyers should always check service history and MOT records before purchasing a used example.

What should I check on a used Up's MOT history?

Look for recurring advisories around corrosion, suspension components and electrical systems. The official DVSA MOT history checker on gov.uk provides the full test record for any individual vehicle.

When did Volkswagen stop making the Up?

Volkswagen ended production of the Up in 2023, meaning no new examples have been sold in the UK since then, though used models remain widely available.

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