Hereford motorists are following a national trend towards smaller ‘city cars’ reports a leading local dealership.
South Hereford Garages, based on Centurion Way, has seen a significant increase in the number of people asking to test drive the brand’s compact up! cars, reflecting a countrywide preference for more economical vehicles.
Charlie Richards, sales director at South Hereford Garages, said: “Auto Express magazine this week reported sales of smaller cars have risen 122 per cent over the last decade1. We are certainly seeing a similar trend here, with more and more people deciding that small is beautiful.
“So far this year we have already sold 75 of the up! compared to 102 in the whole of last year.
“There was also a noticeable spike in interest after the up! was featured on the BBC’s Top Gear in February, being driven across Ukraine by Jeremy Clarkson.
“The review raised the car’s profile with younger male drivers and also taller people, because Clarkson is known to be well over six feet tall, and he was able to drive the up! comfortably.”
The Volkswagen up! was launched in 2011 and won the World Car of the Year award in 2012. The car achieved an NCAP five-star safety rating and an electric version is now also available.
Charlie added: “With prices starting at £8,635, fuel economy of up to 68.9mpg and zero road tax, it’s no wonder more people are turning their backs on bigger saloon cars and choosing the up!
“Right now we are also offering free insurance* with finance packages, so I’m expecting to see even more of these great little cars out and about on the streets of Hereford in the near future.”
To test drive the up! or request more information about the e-up! call South Hereford Garages on 01432 376200.