Volkswagen Up! GTI Review: A Fun, Fuel-Efficient, and Affordable Hatchback

A Thriving Market: Orders Continue to Pour in Until Production Ends in 2023

The Volkswagen Up! GTI, introduced in 2018, was designed to fill the gap between the Renault Twingo GT and Suzuki Swift Sport, two popular small hatchbacks in the UK known for their lively driving experiences.

With its competitive pricing, impressive fuel efficiency, and engaging driving dynamics, the Up! GTI has become a sought-after model in the UK, attracting a flood of orders until the end of production in 2023.

Under the hood, the Up! GTI boasts a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo engine, producing 119 PS and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 196 km/h. While these figures may not be impressive, the car’s performance has contributed to its enduring popularity in the UK.

For enthusiasts of sophisticated cars, the Up! GTI offers a unique blend of giant-killer individuality and quality over quantity, similar to the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 (Roadster).

The 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo engine provides low-end torque and can spin up to 6000 rpm, making it easy to enjoy satisfactory power performance. On suburban roads, the engine feels like it has a larger displacement, making it a joy to drive.

Weighing in at 995kg, the Up! GTI has a small body and a maximum torque of 20.4kg-m, exceeding that of the first-generation Golf GTI. However, it can feel slightly underpowered when reaching highway speeds.

A Perfect Blend of Fun, Fuel Economy, and Style

The Up! GTI’s fuel economy is impressive, with a catalog value of 20.9km/L. In real-world conditions, it’s not difficult to achieve 14.0km/L or more with casual driving. Even with aggressive driving, the minimum fuel economy is around 13.8km/L.

The handling is also excellent, with a grippy attitude, stable control, and gradual movements. The 15mm lower sports suspension and 8mm wider rear track make it a nimble ride, although not as calm as the Polo GTI.

The ride is smoother in the Polo GTI but better than the Swift Sport and Twingo GT of the same period. The only transmission available is a six-speed manual, and the traction control can’t be switched off completely.

The Up! GTI comes well-equipped for its size, featuring red ambient lighting, air conditioning, a smartphone holder, and a Bluetooth-enabled stereo as standard. It also includes tartan seats and a 5.0-inch infotainment monitor.

The options list for the UK model includes heated seats, two-tone paint, a backup camera, and automatic air conditioning. The facelift in 2019 brought a new emblem to comply with exhaust gas regulations, but the basic appearance and equipment remain unchanged.

The sleek and elegant styling, created by Walter de Silva, still looks modern and fresh.

The Up! GTI offers a unique combination of fun, fuel economy, and style, making it an attractive option for those in the UK, with prices starting from around 10,000 pounds (approximately 1.92 million yen).