Top 3 things you need to know about the Volkswagen up!
Budget motoring need not feel or look like it. The evergreen Volkswagen up! is a small, yet fashionable entry-level hatch with many charming features. Here are three things you should know if you're thinking about scaling down or moving up!
The Volkswagen up! is a small, entry-level hatch which was launched in South Africa in 2015 as a three-door model. Since its initial launch, a facelift followed, five-door models and special edition models were added, some variants left the scene again recently, and as it stands, we now have two Volkswagen up! derivatives to buy as new cars in the local lineup: The Take up! And the Move up!
Here are three things you should definitely know about the VW up!
1. It’s one of the safest entry-level hatchbacks in SA
While we’ve all come to expect the basics such as ABS brakes and two airbags at the very least, the Germans don’t play around when they equip cars with safety features. The up! also has Hydraulic Brake Assist that increases your braking power when you need to brake very hard. Furthermore, you and your front passenger are also protected from side impacts, thanks to frontal and side head/thorax airbags.
Electronic stability and traction control as well as hill-hold (or hill-start assist) are also part of the package. The former helps you stay in control of your vehicle, while the latter keeps you from rolling backwards when stopping at an incline. There’s also a tyre pressure loss indicator and LED daytime running lights so that you’re always visible to oncoming traffic and/or pedestrians. Isofix child seat anchorage points are standard, should you want to take the little ones along.
Since the VW up! landed on local shores, its engine specs have stayed unchanged. Underneath its little bonnet, you will still find a 1.0-litre, 55kW 3-cylinder engine with enough zip for comfortable city commutes and stable highway driving.
Other safe entry-level cars, include the Peugeot 108 and the Toyota Aygo.
Related: Watch our video review of the 2017 VW Move up! here
2. It’s small in stature, but big on comfort features
The more affordable Take up! may not have Bluetooth, but take a look at this list of design- and convenience features:
- Front-integrated head restraints
- Height-adjustable steering wheel
- Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
- Composition Radio infotainment system: 3.1-inch monochrome screen, AUX-in socket for external Source: MP3 player, SD card reader and CD player
- Full-size spare wheel (including tool kit and jack)
- 14-inch steel wheels with 165/70 R14 tyres
- Remote central locking with two remote folding keys
- Manual air-conditioning
- Electric front windows
- Heated rear window
- Heating and ventilation with four-speed fan
- Halogen clear headlights with integrated indicators
- Interior light delay and luggage compartment light
- Centre console cup holder, front x1 and rear x1
The Move up! is a little more fashionable and offers a few more mod-cons and design details:
- 14-inch steel wheels
- Body-coloured door handles and door mirrors
- Composition Colour infotainment system: 5-inch colour touch-screen, Bluetooth telephone and audio connection, USB connectivity
- Variable boot floor
- 'Lane' cloth upholstery
- Chrome-trimmed interior door handles
- ‘Fusion’ cloth upholstery
- ‘Black Cube’ dash pad
- Leather multi-function steering wheel
- Side mirrors electrically adjustable and heated
- Rear-seat bench with 60:40 split/folding
3. The VW up! has a 3-year/120 000 km warranty (and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty), but service and maintenance plans are optional
If you’re a first-time car-buyer and at your budget's outer limits, having to spend extra dosh on an all-important service/maintenance plan can be a bit of a nasty surprise, so if you have your heart set on VW up!, remember to factor in the cost. Pricing for the above mentioned plans start from R5 158.There are different options ranging from 3 years / 45 000 km up to ten years. Check out the available .
And, the expense of car ownership doesn't stop there. You still need insurance as well, and remember that wear-and-tear items will have to be budgeted for as well, such as tyres. Be sure to read First time car-buyer? What you need to know.
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Source - Volkswagen SA
