Lupo best for lone drivers

Sep 1 2008 Peter Hayward

LIKE some other city cars, such as the Ford Ka, the VW Lupo looks great but is not all that practical if you want to carry passengers.

Rear headroom and legroom are very small if there is anyone of normal size up front, but if you drive alone it¿s fine.

The entry one-litre is very slow and to be avoided but other models are much better - a 1.4 with 75bhp, a 1.7 diesel with 60bhp, and a 1.4 TDI turbo diesel with 75bhp.

The 1.4 Sport with 100bhp goes very well as you can imagine and the GTi 1.6 with 125bhp is also rather good.

The Lupo¿s suspension is taut and the chassis excellent, giving great road-holding and still a comfortable ride.

Handling is also superb, with superb balance and excellent power steering.

Kit in the E trim level is good, including height adjustable driver¿s seat, 60/40 fold rear seat, two airbags and a stereo system. S trim adds electric front windows and central locking.

Interior

Not only is rear head and legroom small but the boot is tiny, with just about enough space for three shopping bags.

The driving position is excellent and safety is also very good, but the SEAT Arosa is built to the same standards in the same factory and it¿s a lot cheaper.

FAST FACTS

Volkswagen Lupo 1.4 S

Price : Pay about £1,700 for a ¿99 T-reg, £2,800 for an ¿02 52-reg or £4,600 for an ¿05 05-reg.

Mechanical : 75bhp, 1.4-litre, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 106mph

0-62mph : 12 secs

Combined mpg : 38

Insurance group : 3

Marks : 8/10

Main rival : Chevrolet/Daewoo Matiz, Citroen C1