2001 Volkswagen Lupo GTI

Please note that the photographs were provided by the seller

Highlights

• Regarded as the spiritual successor to the original Golf GTI
• Good service history
• Low miles
• Long MOT
• In excellent condition throughout
• Well-maintained
• Scorpion back box

Overview

Somewhat unfairly overshadowed by its big brother, the Lupo GTI is arguably just as appealing when it comes to VW hot hatches. Marketed more as a city car than a family hatchback the plucky little Lupo is nevertheless an incredibly alluring prospect in GTI form and is actually closer in DNA to the original Mk1 Golf GTI than that car's numerous predecessors, all of which grew further away from that initial design, not least of which in terms of girth.

The Lupo, however, remained diminutive in its dimensions. Combine that with its feisty nature and it's no wonder the car won the hearts and minds of many a hot hatch fan upon its release in 2000, not to mention those in the motoring press. Today the car presents as an incredibly fun, well-built spicy hatchback that has rightly earned its modern classic status.

Performance comes from a peppy 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 123bhp. The car also weighed about as much as a packet of Quavers thanks to a host of aluminium body panels and when combined with uprated springs and dampers, a 20mm drop in ride height and disc brakes all-round the Lupo GTI handled like a dream. It looked good, too. With its numerous muscular accoutrements, including flared arches, boot spoiler and alloy wheels it had the hot hatch aesthetic down pat.

This particular early 2001 model is a genuine UK car with only four previous owners. Specified with a five-speed manual gearbox and air conditioning from the factory it presents beautifully throughout and looks great in black with contrasting red highlighted interior. There’s a decent amount of paperwork and the car comes with service stamps up to 37k miles in the original service manual. Subsequently enthusiast maintained thereafter with receipts showing regular oil changes, the car has clearly been well maintained.

HPI clear and with low miles the car has a long MOT under its belt, not to mention a large bore Scorpion exhaust back box which further enhances the car's already sporty nature.

History and documentation

• 2001 model year
• V5C present and correct
• Four previous owners
• First registered November 7th 2001
• Original book pack
• Two keys
• Excellent service history with the original service manual showing service stamps at the following intervals:2001 delivery inspection (main dealer), 2002 @ 5,908 miles (service, main dealer), 2003 @ 8,083 miles (service, main dealer), 2007 @ 13,147 miles (service), 2008 @ 18,402 miles (service), 2009 @ 24,554 miles (service), 2010 @ 30,949 miles (service), 2011 @ 36,787 miles (service)
• Numerous invoices for subsequent servicing and maintenance
• MOT until October 22nd 2026
• HPI clear
• ULEZ compliant
• 77,104 indicated miles

Interior

• The dark grey cloth interior with red highlights is in great shape overall
• Wholly original
• The GTI spec seats look to be wearing well with only the usual light deterioration to the driver's bolster to note
• No evidence of any major damage, rips or tears
• Dashboard remains intact
• Steering wheel and gear knob are not overly worn
• Door cards and carpets look to be in good condition
• Headlining does not appear to be sagging
• Boot space is clean and tidy and the small rear parcel shelf is present and intact
• Engine bay presents well

Exterior

• The exterior remains in very good condition throughout
• The jet black paintwork retains a deep shine
• No signs of any scratches or major damage
• No evidence of any corrosion
• Uniform panel gaps all round
• All glasswork appears to be in good shape, however there is an MOT advisory for windscreen damaged but it does not adversely affect the driver's view
• The original GTI six-spoke 15” alloy wheels are in good condition but the nearside front does carry some kerb damage to the rim
• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes and look to be in decent condition
• Underneath appears straight, free from repairs and in good condition with only some usual light surface corrosion to some of the suspension components to note

Mechanical

• 123bhp, 1.6-litre 16v four-cylinder engine
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• Front-wheel drive
• 0-62mph in 8.2s
• 127mph top speed
• Scorpion exhaust; original back box included in sale
• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Bags of fun to drive, reliable and more exclusive than a Golf there's a lot to like when it comes to the Volkswagen Lupo GTI. This particular example has been well maintained, presents well and comes complete with the ubiquitous after market rorty exhaust. With no mechanical issues to report and in excellent condition throughout it's a solid choice for those after a petite, zesty hot hatch. It may be small, but it's perfectly formed.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Taunton, Somerset.