The short version
Every petrol up!, Mii and Citigo has a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. What changes is how it breathes: the non-turbo MPI came in two power outputs, the turbocharged TSI arrived with the 2016 facelift, and the up! GTI turned the TSI up further. There were electric versions too.
| Engine | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 MPI | 60 PS | Town, learners, the lowest insurance |
| 1.0 MPI | 75 PS | A bit more flexibility for the same running costs |
| 1.0 TSI | 90 PS | Motorways and regular passengers |
| 1.0 TSI (up! GTI) | 115 PS | Fun |
| Electric | 82–83 PS | Short daily trips with charging at home |
Exact availability varied by badge, year and trim, so check the specific car’s logbook and spec rather than the advert.
1.0 MPI: 60 and 75 PS
The engine most of these cars have. It’s simple, with no turbo, and it’s at its best around town, where the car’s light weight means it never feels as slow as the numbers suggest. Both outputs are economical, and insurance is about as cheap as it gets.
The 60 and 75 PS versions feel closer than the numbers suggest. The 75 is a little more relaxed when the car is loaded up or on faster roads, and usually costs very little extra to buy and run, so it’s worth having if the choice is there.
On the motorway either will cruise happily at the limit, but overtaking and hills need planning and a downshift. Versions badged BlueMotion Technology (BMT) have stop-start and a few efficiency tweaks.
1.0 TSI: 90 PS
The turbocharged TSI came in with the up!’s 2016 facelift, mostly in higher trims and special editions. The difference is torque: it pulls from low revs, so it’s far less work on the motorway, up hills and with people in the back, and it can be just as economical in real driving because you’re not revving it as hard.
If you do regular longer trips, it’s the one to look for. It usually costs a bit more to buy and insure.
The GTI: 115 PS
The up! GTI uses a more powerful version of the TSI with a six-speed manual, sportier suspension and the GTI styling. It’s a properly entertaining small hot hatch, light and quick enough, and it’s become a bit of a cult car. It has its own guide.
Electric
The Volkswagen e-up! came first, then the SEAT Mii electric and Škoda Citigo e iV joined it with a bigger battery. They’re quiet, quick away from the lights and very cheap to run if you can charge at home. Range is the thing to check, and it depends a lot on which battery the car has. See the electric guide.
Manual or ASG?
Most cars have a five-speed manual (six on the GTI), which is light and easy. The optional ASG is an automated manual: a normal gearbox with a computer working the clutch and changing gear for you.
It works, and it’s handy in traffic, but it’s not like a conventional automatic. There’s a pause during each change that makes the car nod, and it can be hesitant when pulling out. Lifting off the accelerator slightly as it changes helps. Try one properly before you buy. If you want a smooth two-pedal car, the electric versions are the better choice.
Not sure?
For most people, a 75 PS MPI or a 90 PS TSI with the manual gearbox is the sweet spot. Then buy on condition and history, not on the engine. Our buying guide covers what to check.
Ask the people who drive them
The register shows which engine every member's car has, and the forum is full of owners happy to tell you how theirs drives.
Browse the registerThis guide is general information from the club, not professional advice. Every car is different, so get a used car inspected by someone you trust, and check with your garage, insurer or the official sources linked above before making a decision.