Top Gear’s Stig warns drivers of popular first-time car that ‘looks like a shoe’ and comes with pesky issue
FORMER Top Gear star Ben Collins, known as The Stig, has put one of Britain’s most popular first-time cars to the test, and he’s not holding back.
In a review on his YouTube channel, Ben took the VW Up! for a spin, calling it “VW’s smallest car” and cheekily describing it as looking “a bit like a shoe.”
But while its quirky looks might raise eyebrows, Ben said the car is surprisingly spacious inside.
“Despite appearances from the outside, once you climb into the Tardis, it actually feels quite spacious…”
“There’s lots of refined features, the stereo immediately smacks up quality, it’s got some nice carbon weave features that just give this car a little touch of class”, he says.
However, the praise stopped there.
Under the bonnet, the VW Up! is fitted with a modest 1.0 litre engine producing 64 horsepower and it shows.
“It gives a 0-60 of 15.6 seconds, which is quite sluggish,” Ben said.
“When you accelerate, there isn’t a massive amount of response, so you do feel like you’re really trying to pull this car along, it feels like it’s a bit underpowered.”
Ben said the lack of punch might suit city drivers who rarely leave urban roads.
But for others, it may feel limiting.
“Top speed when you finally get there is 101 miles an hour, but that must take a very long time,” he added.
He also pointed out some basic features were missing.
“No really obvious ports where you can plug your phone in and charge it, so it’s kind of lacking in a little bit of functionality,” he said.
On the road, the VW Up! delivered a mixed performance.
“The ride’s not bad, it takes these potholes and lumps and bumps OK,” Ben said.
“But cornering-wise, the car does feel a little wallowy and makes it feel like a heavier car than it really is.”
And despite carrying the VW badge, Ben questioned its family resemblance.
“Not really sure it feels like it’s in the VW family. It just doesn’t have the sporty qualities that its bigger brother would have.
It’s a combination of the under-powered nature but also the chassis and the way it’s designed.”
“It just feels like a little bit of a wobble in the suspension. I can just feel a little bit of low-level vibration.
It doesn’t feel like the most user-friendly car. Funny sounds coming from the suspension.”
The car sells for prices starting at around £3,495, making it an affordable choice for first-time drivers or those looking for a simple city runaround.
Despite its quirks, the review struck a chord with viewers.
Fans flocked to the comments showing appreciation: “Loving these reviews on these basic cars.”
Another added: “Loved the video Mr Collins from across the pond.
“Very detailed reviews of fantastically normal everyday cars.”
And one more wrote: “A great review that I will be sending friends to whenever I’m asked this question of the best cars for new drivers.”
He concluded that while it might be ideal for city driving, it lacks the performance and finesse expected from the VW range.
So, while it may be a solid option for learners, don’t expect too much from this little “shoe” on wheels.