Review: Volkswagen Up! GTI 2018

​To many, Volkswagen’s GTI is an icon. The original model broke the mould, paving the way for generations of hot hatches to follow – and not only from VW. The boundaries are flexible, however, which means cars such as the forthcoming Up! GTI can still fit into the category, despite its three-cylinder, 1.0-litre city car status.

While those hardcore GTI fans among you may not think this sounds especially promising, hold your horses – because from a size and power-to-weight perspective, the newcomer has remarkable parity with the much-adored Mk1 Golf GTI. If you don’t believe it, check out the stats at the end of this story, where you’ll see that the latest-generation hot hatch has a similarly powerful engine and is actually slightly quicker from 0-62ph.

The Up! GTI won’t be here until 2018, but we got an early drive in a pre-launch car. Its diminutive engine’s forced induction gives surprising response and flexibility from low down in the rev range, and the power keeps on flowing all the way up to the red line. Only a slightly tall second gear – engineered to boost economy – stands in the way of a totally smooth and swift delivery.

That small capacity means performance is surprising rather than brutal, but the delivery is perfectly complemented by a snappy manual transmission, well weighted pedals, plus great noise and ride refinement.

During our pre-determined test route we had few opportunities to really put the Up! GTI’s handling through its paces, but it proved itself

surefooted, eager to change direction and strong of grip, resulting in an enticing dynamic package.

On top of all this, the likely £15k starting price will include all the usual GTI cabin trademarks such as tartan seats and a red-stitched, flat-bottomed wheel. A neat red-and-black dashboard treatment is unique to the Up! GTI, giving it a more youthful feel than its Polo GTI and Golf GTI big brothers. It’s all as well executed and built as we’ve come to anticipate from the Up! – and the boot is just as small as usual as well.

Out prototype drive has really whetted our appetite for the production Volkswagen Up! GTI, and we can’t for it to arrive in showrooms next year. Then you’ll be able to see for yourself that, while it may not be ridiculously quick, the newcomer is certainly both exciting on the straights and smile inducing in corners.

Price-wise, its ticket is expected to top that of the Suzuki Swift Sport but be more affordable than more muscular rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST. Start saving those pennies now – and study the stats below to see just how close the newcomer sits to its legendary ancestor.

2018 VW Up! GTI

Engine size 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol

Price from £15,000 (est)

Power 113bhp @ 5000rpm

Torque 147lb ft @ 2000rpm

Kerbweight 997kg

Power to weight 113.3bhp/tonne

0-62mph 8.8sec

Top speed 119mph

Length 3600mm

Width 1641mm

Height 1489mm