HAVING covered more than 500 miles in a week in one of VW's up! superminis, I think it's one of the best on the market.

The three cylinder petrol only engines are available in either 60 or 75bhp power outputs and while the 60 feels fairly slow and the 75 more sprightly, they are both tuneful and willing.

But remember to turn off the air conditioning for best performance.

An excellent ride means that they will accomplish long journeys in comfort - leaving occupants as fresh as they would be in cars costing three times as much.

That's how comfortable it is over just about all surfaces, but it also holds the road marvellously, with loads of grip and excellent steering.

During some varied driving the 75bhp version managed an excellent 55mpg without really trying.

I take my hat off to VW's achievement. They have an excellent small car, but the competition is fierce in the city car class and many others undercut its prices.

There's plenty of room for four inside, but only at the expense of the boot, which is pretty tiny. However, the back seats go down in a 60/40 pattern to make a larger flat load area.