The VOLKSWAGEN UP! (2011-16) 3DR HATCHBACK 1.0 75 EU6 STREET UP! is a small, three-door city car built for easy driving and parking in town. It sits among the UK’s most practical small hatchbacks, offering a simple alternative to larger, costlier cars without feeling like a bare-bones runabout. mycarcheck.com has logged 164 checks covering 79 different cars, a helpful sample of real-world interest. The cars checked averaged 46,000 miles and around 5,000 miles a year, with about 1.8 previous keepers. Their average private-sale valuation was £5,300, giving buyers a useful guide rather than a promise of today’s price. The 1.0-litre, 75-horsepower engine gives it responses for everyday trips, while its compact shape and modest running needs suit commuters, first-time drivers and couples. Compared with rivals such as the Toyota Aygo and Fiat 500, the up! is known for a grown-up feel, cabin and easy manoeuvring; check condition and history before buying.