VOLKSWAGEN: The Up GTI makes a welcome return

10 January 2020

After a short time out for WLTP testing, the Volkswagen Up GTI has been reintroduced as VW revamps the Up range for 2020 with several new trims.

 

The range-entry model of VW’s supermini is now simply called ‘Up’ and comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio and a smartphone cradle so it can be connected to your phone to use as a touchscreen. It is available in both five- and three-door body styles, with the latter only in base and GTI specification.

New additions to the range are White Edition and Black Edition models, bringing 16-inch alloys and contrasting white or black paint on the roof, door mirror caps and dashboard inlays. Above that is the Beats model which offers a premium stereo system with underfloor subwoofer and coloured mirror caps.

Slotting in at the top of the regular Up range is the new R-Line edition, which brings athletic looks and lowered sports suspension. It gets a black roof and matching door mirrors, plus R-Line badging and 16-inch alloy wheels - although you can choose a set of 17-inchers from the options list.

R-Line models also come with plenty of equipment, including front fog lights, heated front seats and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors.

After a short time off sale last year due to WLTP emissions testing, the Volkswagen Up GTI hot hatch returns to the line-up. In true GTI tradition, it comes with VW’s tartan cloth upholstery plus 17-inch alloys and ambient lighting.

All versions – including the GTI – use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It’s naturally aspirated in the main range and produces 59hp, while the GTI gets a turbocharged version producing 113hp. In such a small car, that power is good enough for a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds.

Despite being the fastest model in the range, the Up GTI is actually the most efficient – it returns 53.3mpg and emits 120g/km of CO2. That’s ever so slightly more than any other Up; models with 15-inch wheels manage 51.4mpg and 124g/km, while those on 16-inch wheels return 50.4mpg.

The Volkswagen Up range also includes the all-electric e-Up, which has recently been updated to offer 161 miles of range. That’s quite an improvement over the previous car, which was only capable of a tad less than 100 miles between charges. The new e-Up will be available to order from around March.