Volkswagen Up! 2019: Why It Won City Car Of The Year

The Volkswagen up! secured the prestigious title of City Car of the Year in 2019, thanks to its exceptional blend of nimble handling, economical engines, and practical features tailored for urban environments. This compact hatchback stood out in a competitive field, retaining its crown from the previous year by offering unmatched versatility for city drivers.

Why the up! Excelled in Urban Mobility

Designed specifically for tight city streets and congested parking lots, the Volkswagen up! measures just under 3.6 meters in length, making it one of the most maneuverable vehicles in its class. Its lightweight construction, weighing around 997 kg, contributes to responsive steering and effortless navigation through traffic. Drivers appreciate the precise handling that feels engaging even at low speeds, turning everyday commutes into enjoyable experiences.

Inside, the cabin maximizes space with a clever layout. Rear seats fold flat to expand cargo capacity up to 959 liters, ideal for shopping trips or weekend getaways. High-quality materials and a straightforward dashboard enhance the premium feel without unnecessary complexity.

Powertrain Options for Every Need

The 2019 up! lineup featured a range of efficient 1.0-liter three-cylinder engines. The base 60hp variant delivers adequate pep for city use, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. For more spirited drives, the 95hp version accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, while the top 113bhp up! GTI variant offers hot-hatch thrills with sharper suspension and sports seats.

Fuel efficiency shines across the board, with figures up to 67mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km, keeping road tax and fuel bills low. The e-up! electric model, updated in 2019 with a 32.3kWh battery, provides up to 160 miles of range, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.

This table highlights the diverse options, balancing performance and efficiency for varied urban lifestyles.

Safety Innovations Setting New Standards

The up! pioneered City Emergency Braking in its class, automatically detecting obstacles at low speeds to prevent collisions. Standard features include electronic stability control, six airbags, and fatigue detection. Higher trims add parking sensors and a rearview camera, boosting confidence in tight spots.

• City Emergency Braking: First-in-class automated system for urban safety.
• Multi-collision Brake: Reduces secondary impacts post-initial crash.
• PreCrash: Tenses seatbelts and closes windows preemptively.

These technologies earned the up! high marks in Euro NCAP tests, underscoring Volkswagen’s commitment to occupant protection.

Interior Comfort and Tech Highlights

Ergonomics prioritize driver focus with intuitive controls and a high seating position for better visibility. The infotainment system features a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on select models, supporting seamless smartphone integration.

Ambient lighting and customizable Beats audio in special editions elevate the experience. Practical touches like USB ports and cooled glovebox cater to daily needs.

Running Costs and Ownership Appeal

Affordable pricing starts around £10,000 for base models, with strong residual values earning it the ‘Wertmeister 2019’ award for value retention. Insurance groups range from 1 to 15, suiting young drivers. Service intervals at 19,000 miles keep maintenance straightforward.

Used examples from 2019 average 16,000 miles with reliable ownership histories, praised for build quality and low fault rates.

Performance on City Roads

Test drives reveal the up!’s agility, with a tight turning circle of 9.8 meters outperforming many rivals. The suspension absorbs potholes effectively, maintaining composure over speed bumps. Highway stability is respectable up to 70mph, though wind noise increases at higher speeds.

In POV tests, the 60hp model proves frugal and fun, ideal for stop-start traffic.

Design and Styling Evolution

Faceted headlights and a bold grille give the 2019 facelift a modern edge. R-Line and Beats trims add sporty flair with 16-inch alloys and unique badging. Colors like Pure Blue enhance its vibrant city presence.

Competitor Comparison

Against the Kia Picanto and Skoda Citigo, the up! edges ahead with superior dynamics and refinement. The Picanto offers longer warranties, but lacks the up!’s chassis poise. The Citigo, a platform twin, matches closely but trails in powertrain variety.

Electric Variant: Future-Proof Choice

The 2019 e-up! upgrade doubled battery capacity to 36.8kWh gross, achieving 159-mile WLTP range with zero emissions. Charging from 0-80% takes 60 minutes on AC, suiting overnight home use. It’s a pioneer in affordable EV city cars.

Long-Term Legacy and Awards

Beyond 2019 City Car of the Year, the up! claimed World Car of the Year in 2012 and multiple value awards. Production ended in 2023, but its influence persists in VW’s small-car strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Volkswagen up! still available new?

No, production ceased in 2023, but used 2019 models are plentiful and reliable.

What is the best engine for city driving?

The 95hp 1.0 TSI balances efficiency and performance perfectly for urban use.

How safe is the up! for families?

Excellent, with five-star NCAP rating and unique braking tech.

What’s the running cost like?

Very low: 67mpg, cheap tax, and strong residuals.

Can it handle motorways?

Yes, stable up to legal speeds, though best for cities.

Why Choose a 2019 up! Today

In 2026, the 2019 Volkswagen up! remains a smart used buy for budget-conscious urbanites seeking fun, frugality, and safety. Its award-winning formula endures, proving small can be mighty.