Is anyone else considering a new VW Up GTi?
Discussion
Has anyone had a chance to drive one of these yet? I might be a bit late to the party but I had heard rumours that an Up GTi was coming but I've only just realised it's now actually here! My R56 Cooper is still a great little car but getting on a bit now and getting a little tired, so I'm considering a replacement. I hankered after a Golf GTi when I was younger but they have long since gone out of my price range and anyhow, they've got pretty big and heavy. A great fast family car/all-rounder but I'm more about the fun than outright speed and I mainly use my car for solo commuting and local trips, so don't need the size, comfort and refinement. Since it came out, the Up has been my favourite non-retro small car but it never had enough power to be on my radar until now and it harks back to my days in VW sales when I badly wanted a Lupo GTi as my demo (I got a Polo 1.2 instead and by the time I was eligible for something nicer, the Lupo was done and we were on to the Fox)! 
Still, other than a couple of basic "white goods" purchases for my wife, I have never owned a new car and certainly not one that I really wanted. Looking on the VW website, they're about 14k and come pretty well-equipped (my dad paid about that for a new Polo 1.2 TDI back in 2010)! A black 3 door would suffice and you can lease one for around 200 per month. Not bad and a new car that I can actually afford! Yeah, it's not going to be a big step up in performance from the MINI but the extra torque from the turbocharged motor should make it a bit punchier for overtaking?
I guess, sticking to that budget or less, other potential options would be:
New Suzuki Swift Sport? When's that going to get here? It'll probably be the closest new vehicle in terms of price but not sure on the specs yet. There is already a 1.0 (Boosterjet?) with around 110bhp already available but I'm not sure if that would be as fun as the Up?
a newer R56 Cooper S - can't stand the styling of the latest MINIs, I'd look for one in a more striking colour with the black contrast roof, 17s and quilted leather. Same shortcomings as my car though really and I've heard reliability not all that great. The price differential for something very similar but just a little bit quicker than my car might be a little hard to justify though.
used Fiesta ST - Like these and a definite step-up in performance from the Cooper, well-equipped but the interior feels a little cheap in comparison.
used Abarth 595 - I've heard these are a blast but my wife had a new 1.2 back in 2009 and despite being a fun little car, the ride and steering wasn't a patch on the MINI (plus they're a little girly)!
M135i - my budget would just about squeeze me into one of these and it's the only larger HH that I would consider mainly for the six-pot engine and RWD. I don't love the looks though, I would be looking at something not much fresher than my car (2010, 80k) and even though fuel economy is excellent for the performance, it would be more expensive to run than the others and more car than I really need.
I wouldn't go Clio RS because of the lack of a manual gearbox and the 208 GTi seems a little expensive and doesn't appeal to me much.
So, is anyone else contemplating an Up GTi and how does it compare to the other options in terms of being a fun, economical, cheap-to-run four-seater?
Still, other than a couple of basic "white goods" purchases for my wife, I have never owned a new car and certainly not one that I really wanted. Looking on the VW website, they're about 14k and come pretty well-equipped (my dad paid about that for a new Polo 1.2 TDI back in 2010)! A black 3 door would suffice and you can lease one for around 200 per month. Not bad and a new car that I can actually afford! Yeah, it's not going to be a big step up in performance from the MINI but the extra torque from the turbocharged motor should make it a bit punchier for overtaking?
I guess, sticking to that budget or less, other potential options would be:
New Suzuki Swift Sport? When's that going to get here? It'll probably be the closest new vehicle in terms of price but not sure on the specs yet. There is already a 1.0 (Boosterjet?) with around 110bhp already available but I'm not sure if that would be as fun as the Up?
a newer R56 Cooper S - can't stand the styling of the latest MINIs, I'd look for one in a more striking colour with the black contrast roof, 17s and quilted leather. Same shortcomings as my car though really and I've heard reliability not all that great. The price differential for something very similar but just a little bit quicker than my car might be a little hard to justify though.
used Fiesta ST - Like these and a definite step-up in performance from the Cooper, well-equipped but the interior feels a little cheap in comparison.
used Abarth 595 - I've heard these are a blast but my wife had a new 1.2 back in 2009 and despite being a fun little car, the ride and steering wasn't a patch on the MINI (plus they're a little girly)!
M135i - my budget would just about squeeze me into one of these and it's the only larger HH that I would consider mainly for the six-pot engine and RWD. I don't love the looks though, I would be looking at something not much fresher than my car (2010, 80k) and even though fuel economy is excellent for the performance, it would be more expensive to run than the others and more car than I really need.
I wouldn't go Clio RS because of the lack of a manual gearbox and the 208 GTi seems a little expensive and doesn't appeal to me much.
So, is anyone else contemplating an Up GTi and how does it compare to the other options in terms of being a fun, economical, cheap-to-run four-seater?
I'm fairly disappointed with the UP GTI. I think it looked so much better when they had it as the original GT concept. It's styling was more bespoke. I haven't driven one but i reckon i'd much prefer the new Swift Sport if i wanted a warm hatch. That thing looks like a cracker!
I much prefer hot-hatches, so my money would go on a Fiesta ST out of your choices. Absolutely great things to drive. The M135i is another league of performance but i really dislike the looks and size of the 1-Series and i do see it as more of a mini-GT car. The 500 Abarth's are great too but i'm not sure i'd go for one over the Fiesta, if i'm honest.
I much prefer hot-hatches, so my money would go on a Fiesta ST out of your choices. Absolutely great things to drive. The M135i is another league of performance but i really dislike the looks and size of the 1-Series and i do see it as more of a mini-GT car. The 500 Abarth's are great too but i'm not sure i'd go for one over the Fiesta, if i'm honest.
Ilovejapcrap said:
a lot of the alternatives you mention are in a different performance bracket to be honest.
I have the current swift sport (66plate) and as such am looking at the new one with anticipation. not sure about the new up gti yet will have to sample one i guess.
Yeah, it's more of a budgetary constraint but some of the most fun cars that I have owned have been "warm" hatches (Cinq Sporting, 205 GTi 1.6, MG ZR 105, MINI). I have owned much faster cars that have been less "fun" and low running costs certainly appeal. My WRX was a blast but expensive to run as a daily driver. I have the current swift sport (66plate) and as such am looking at the new one with anticipation. not sure about the new up gti yet will have to sample one i guess.
99dndd said:
I believe the waiting list is currently 6,000,000 years.
I ordered one on 17th February and the provisional build week is 20th August.
Not too much of an issue, as long as I can drive one and get hold of the spec that I want. That would feel more special than just taking whatever is available on the "lot", which is what I have always done in the past! A long lead time was an issue when I was contemplating a new Cooper S back in 2004 because I wanted something right now but autumn delivery would work just fine for me. I ordered one on 17th February and the provisional build week is 20th August.
white_goodman said:
Not too much of an issue, as long as I can drive one and get hold of the spec that I want. That would feel more special than just taking whatever is available on the "lot", which is what I have always done in the past! A long lead time was an issue when I was contemplating a new Cooper S back in 2004 because I wanted something right now but autumn delivery would work just fine for me.
All joking aside, I think you'd be looking at 2019 delivery if you ordered now.I loved the test drive, sounded great from inside and handled well. You just want to keep your foot down and rev it out and you can do that for ages before you get into license losing speed.
The practical side of things was OK. I'm 6ft and I could sit in the back seat with the driver's seat set in my driving position.
culpz said:
I'm fairly disappointed with the UP GTI. I think it looked so much better when they had it as the original GT concept. It's styling was more bespoke. I haven't driven one but i reckon i'd much prefer the new Swift Sport if i wanted a warm hatch. That thing looks like a cracker!
I much prefer hot-hatches, so my money would go on a Fiesta ST out of your choices. Absolutely great things to drive. The M135i is another league of performance but i really dislike the looks and size of the 1-Series and i do see it as more of a mini-GT car. The 500 Abarth's are great too but i'm not sure i'd go for one over the Fiesta, if i'm honest.
Thanks. Yes, I really like the Fiesta ST and definitely need to go and try one. I've driven a cooking Fiesta and it was great. It's only the ubiquity and "Fast Ford" image that puts me off but then it probably shouldn't. I haven't seen a bad review and it's so popular because it's a great car and great value. The styling and 3 cylinder motor of the new ST seem like a bit of a backwards step to me.I much prefer hot-hatches, so my money would go on a Fiesta ST out of your choices. Absolutely great things to drive. The M135i is another league of performance but i really dislike the looks and size of the 1-Series and i do see it as more of a mini-GT car. The 500 Abarth's are great too but i'm not sure i'd go for one over the Fiesta, if i'm honest.
99dndd said:
All joking aside, I think you'd be looking at 2019 delivery if you ordered now.
I loved the test drive, sounded great from inside and handled well. You just want to keep your foot down and rev it out and you can do that for ages before you get into license losing speed.
The practical side of things was OK. I'm 6ft and I could sit in the back seat with the driver's seat set in my driving position.
Ok thanks. That's still doable if it's the right car and that's much of the appeal. My WRX was fun and I appreciate not that quick by modern standards but keep your foot in (and believe me you wanted to because the rush when it hit boost at 3k was pretty addictive) and once you changed up into 4th, you were pretty much in 3 figures! Fun at lower speeds is a bit more sustainable. I loved the test drive, sounded great from inside and handled well. You just want to keep your foot down and rev it out and you can do that for ages before you get into license losing speed.
The practical side of things was OK. I'm 6ft and I could sit in the back seat with the driver's seat set in my driving position.
I test drove one and it is very good, not quite as sharp as I hoped though
The lead time sealed it for me as I didn't want to wait
I ended up ordering a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport which ended up about £25 per month more in pcp compared to the up but a much more focused and powerful proposition
Drive the Deal came up with a superb deal for the pug, , way cheaper than list
The lead time sealed it for me as I didn't want to wait
I ended up ordering a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport which ended up about £25 per month more in pcp compared to the up but a much more focused and powerful proposition
Drive the Deal came up with a superb deal for the pug, , way cheaper than list
You could always pick up this one - presumably for overs (!!) - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
MOBB said:
I test drove one and it is very good, not quite as sharp as I hoped though
The lead time sealed it for me as I didn't want to wait
I ended up ordering a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport which ended up about £25 per month more in pcp compared to the up but a much more focused and powerful proposition
Drive the Deal came up with a superb deal for the pug, , way cheaper than list
That doesn't sound like a bad deal for the extra performance to be fair. I read about the 208 GTi by PeugeotSport in ECOTY and although they've (unsuccessfully?) tried to re-invent the 205 GTi for the last 25 years, it was really the faintly ludicrous list price that put me off. Maybe I'll check one out but there isn't a Peugeot dealer located very conveniently to me.The lead time sealed it for me as I didn't want to wait
I ended up ordering a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport which ended up about £25 per month more in pcp compared to the up but a much more focused and powerful proposition
Drive the Deal came up with a superb deal for the pug, , way cheaper than list
TimeForAZafira said:
You could always pick up this one - presumably for overs (!!) - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I could live with the red but it has to be the 3 door. I would never pay overs for a car, let alone a VW!white_goodman said:
TimeForAZafira said:
You could always pick up this one - presumably for overs (!!) - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I could live with the red but it has to be the 3 door. I would never pay overs for a car, let alone a VW!You could maybe look to import an LHD Up GTi instead, but that's far from ideal.
I'm with you on spec though - I'd want it built to my exact spec - with the 18 way seats, front axle lift and dripping in alcantara.
TimeForAZafira said:
Ridiculous situation, I know (these flippers make my blood boil). The only way to avoid this in future is to build up a strong profile with your local VW DP. Ensure you purchase a succession of VW products and then maybe, just maybe, you'll be given an allocation for their next halo GTi model. Get the LoI in early, though.
You could maybe look to import an LHD Up GTi instead, but that's far from ideal.
I'm with you on spec though - I'd want it built to my exact spec - with the 18 way seats, front axle lift and dripping in alcantara.
What? No carbon fibre? You could maybe look to import an LHD Up GTi instead, but that's far from ideal.
I'm with you on spec though - I'd want it built to my exact spec - with the 18 way seats, front axle lift and dripping in alcantara.
I guess that I could take the red and just take it to Dub customs for a wrap and of course an exhaust. 
white_goodman said:
TimeForAZafira said:
Ridiculous situation, I know (these flippers make my blood boil). The only way to avoid this in future is to build up a strong profile with your local VW DP. Ensure you purchase a succession of VW products and then maybe, just maybe, you'll be given an allocation for their next halo GTi model. Get the LoI in early, though.
You could maybe look to import an LHD Up GTi instead, but that's far from ideal.
I'm with you on spec though - I'd want it built to my exact spec - with the 18 way seats, front axle lift and dripping in alcantara.
What? No carbon fibre? You could maybe look to import an LHD Up GTi instead, but that's far from ideal.
I'm with you on spec though - I'd want it built to my exact spec - with the 18 way seats, front axle lift and dripping in alcantara.
I guess that I could take the red and just take it to Dub customs for a wrap and of course an exhaust. If these are around 12.5 - 13.5k new, would you not consider a 2016 low mileage polo GTI or maybe a ibiza cupra 2017?
example of Polo GTi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
example of Ibiza Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
example of Polo GTi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
example of Ibiza Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Ben9999 said:
If these are around 12.5 - 13.5k new, would you not consider a 2016 low mileage polo GTI or maybe a ibiza cupra 2017?
example of Polo GTi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
example of Ibiza Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Bit on the lardy side and both previous-gen cars but maybe... I hadn't realised that either of these cars were available with a manual transmission (I thought that they were all DSG), so thanks for bringing them to my attention. example of Polo GTi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
example of Ibiza Cupra:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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