74: Volkswagen Up – funky-looking, good-to-drive city car

Top cars for 2018: Surprisingly comfortable and far from disgraced on the open road

It's worth pointing out that what goes for the VW Up goes equally for the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii, both of which are essentially identical to the tiny VW. It's a funky-looking, good-to-drive city car that's far from disgraced when you get it out on the open road.

The buzzy little 1.0-litre engine has adequate thrust for motorway work, and the Up seems to average out at 50mpg seemingly impervious to driving style. Yes, it’s small, and the rear seats and boot are only adequate, and indeed access to the rear seats is awkward on three-door models, but the Up is surprisingly comfortable up front for one so dinky, and feels every inch the well-made VW (or Seat. Or Skoda).

It’s just a shame that VW reckons it won’t be making Ups for very much longer - the reduction in Co2 from larger models means that small cars such as this are becoming uneconomical to build.

Best model: Move Up 1.0 75hp five-door

READ MORE

Prices start from: €11,875

Finance package from: €169

CO2 emissions: 100-103g/km

Sum-up: Hugely appealing in looks and driving experience, and that's before you even consider the economy factor.