Potent GTI quicker on the UPtake

IT’S surprising there aren’t more options for buyers wanting something citycarsized with a bit of extra zip.

There’s the Renault Twingo GT, the smart BRABUS forfour and . . . that’s about it.

Not a lot then for this contender, the Volkswagen up! GTI to beat. But on paper at least, it looks a pretty complete proposition anyway.

This little VW is powered by the most potent petrol engine yet offered in this model range — a turbo-charged, three cylinder, 1.0litre TSI unit which offers 115PS and up to 200Nm of torque.

This urge is channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, and enables the charismatic newcomer to sprint from rest to 62mph in 8.8 seconds and press on to a top speed of 122mph.

Volkswagen says that’s very similar to the kind of performance the iconic Golf GTI delivered when first it appeared back in 1976, but with much better fuel economy figures of 58.9mpg on a combined cycle.

This up! is a bit lighter than that car, though, weighing in at only 1,070kg. That should make it an engaging steer, as should a sports suspension set-up that sees it lowered by 15mm over the standard model.

Styled inside and out to be an unmistakable member of the modern day GTI fraternity, the up! GTI has sporty honeycomb front grille, darkened side windows at the rear and bright red brake callipers. There are also red trim strips front and rear, bold 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome-tipped exhaust and sporty twin side stripes that are supposed to recall the styling of the original 70s Golf hot hatch.

Inside, there are traditional and modern GTI trademarks. The recognisable ‘Jakara Red’ checked cloth trim on the front sports seats for example; and the GTI gear knob and flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel which is leather-bound and features contrasting red stitching.

Plus there’s red ambient lighting and a ‘Red 2D Pixel’ dashpad, all allowing this up! to make its style statement.

Creature comforts include Volkswagen’s Composition Colour radio system with a five-inch colour screen, a 4x20W output via six loudspeakers, a Bluetooth telephone and audio connection and a USB interface. There’s also air conditioning, heated seats, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors and front fog lights with static cornering lights, all of it standard fit.

The three-door model costs £13,750. The five-door a little more.