Any thoughts on UP GTI?
Discussion
Have a look and ask over here:
https://www.upownersclub.co.uk/forums/up-gti.27/
A lot of owners in it from the beginning, like me.
Feb 2018 was the whistle blow, and 30-40,000 miles later it's still an amazing little car
Personally:
Beats Audio NO
Auto climate control NO
Cruise YES.
Panoramic roof MAYBE
5 doors (hell) NO.
Red, then Silver, then Black
JBS remap to 140 (hell) YES.

https://www.upownersclub.co.uk/forums/up-gti.27/
A lot of owners in it from the beginning, like me.
Feb 2018 was the whistle blow, and 30-40,000 miles later it's still an amazing little car
Personally:
Beats Audio NO
Auto climate control NO
Cruise YES.
Panoramic roof MAYBE
5 doors (hell) NO.
Red, then Silver, then Black
JBS remap to 140 (hell) YES.

Edited by The_Doc on Friday 5th August 21:31
Buy a Yaris t sport for a tenth of the price..!
Okay not a really sensible option but ours has been in the family now for 11 years and aside from an annual service and batteries has had no mechanical failings… 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, 50mpg on a run, buttons to insure. What’s not to like?!
Okay not a really sensible option but ours has been in the family now for 11 years and aside from an annual service and batteries has had no mechanical failings… 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, 50mpg on a run, buttons to insure. What’s not to like?!
I bought a 2018 one last June for 10.5k with 7.5k miles.
Mine is a 3 door (which I personally think looks loads better).
Warning: they’ve shot up in value - my 10.5k car with 7.5k miles has turned into a 13k car with 12k miles (according to WBAC at least).
Summary below:
Good…
1) Feels faster than it actually is - can thrash it without having to go ridiculous speeds, unlike my Lotus
2) Sounds like half a 911 (455.5?)
3) Quality interior
4) ‘Good’ handling
5) Cute as a button
6) Engine stop start can be switched off
7) An extra 30 odd BHP available through a remap for about £300 (might do this on mine)
8) Good fuel consumption, even when caning it
Bad…
1) DAB radio constantly loses signal (a known fault)
2) OEM tyres are terrible, with very little grip
3) Not a great gearbox (although ratios are good)
4) Seats, while they look lovely, are bog standard seats in GTi trim
5) When pressing on, it definitely feels like a ‘tall’ car with a short wheelbase
6) Can’t disable traction control
7) Have to switch stop/start off each time you start the engine
8) Post 2020 ones apparently have a very annoying lane ‘assist’ system
In summary - now that I don’t commute, I’m definitely keeping mine long term, possibly until it dies, which with an annual mileage of 4k could be quite some time.
Mine is a 3 door (which I personally think looks loads better).
Warning: they’ve shot up in value - my 10.5k car with 7.5k miles has turned into a 13k car with 12k miles (according to WBAC at least).
Summary below:
Good…
1) Feels faster than it actually is - can thrash it without having to go ridiculous speeds, unlike my Lotus
2) Sounds like half a 911 (455.5?)
3) Quality interior
4) ‘Good’ handling
5) Cute as a button
6) Engine stop start can be switched off
7) An extra 30 odd BHP available through a remap for about £300 (might do this on mine)
8) Good fuel consumption, even when caning it
Bad…
1) DAB radio constantly loses signal (a known fault)
2) OEM tyres are terrible, with very little grip
3) Not a great gearbox (although ratios are good)
4) Seats, while they look lovely, are bog standard seats in GTi trim
5) When pressing on, it definitely feels like a ‘tall’ car with a short wheelbase
6) Can’t disable traction control
7) Have to switch stop/start off each time you start the engine
8) Post 2020 ones apparently have a very annoying lane ‘assist’ system
In summary - now that I don’t commute, I’m definitely keeping mine long term, possibly until it dies, which with an annual mileage of 4k could be quite some time.
Shappers24 said:
Buy a Yaris t sport for a tenth of the price..!
Okay not a really sensible option but ours has been in the family now for 11 years and aside from an annual service and batteries has had no mechanical failings… 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, 50mpg on a run, buttons to insure. What’s not to like?!
Cracking car, but won't compare to an Up Gti. Okay not a really sensible option but ours has been in the family now for 11 years and aside from an annual service and batteries has had no mechanical failings… 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, 50mpg on a run, buttons to insure. What’s not to like?!
Yaris will be rattly, plasticky, loud, rusty etc. Even the youngest ones are over 15 years old now and most have led a fairly hard life.
I'd love an Up Gti, but can't stomach the new prices of them now. Some used examples are fetching more than they cost new a few years back, it's stupid.
When I can get one for about £5k, I'll be in.
I love mine. Just had its first MOT. Bought it new, just before they hiked the prices. It’s only done 7000 miles, but the perfect car for the narrow country roads where it mostly lives. Great little car you can just chuck about, and surprisingly roomy inside.
I use mine mostly for exploring new roads, walking trips and early morning blasts when the mood takes me.
I’d go 205/40-17 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for tyres, if you can get hold of them.
I use mine mostly for exploring new roads, walking trips and early morning blasts when the mood takes me.
I’d go 205/40-17 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for tyres, if you can get hold of them.
I love mine. The Lane Assist is, granted, exceptionally annoying but easy to turn off, and can be programmed out with Carista, when I get around to buying it.
The car is sensationally economical and great fun to throw about-you can drive the wheels off it without ever really getting into too much trouble. Sounds ace, and it settles into a comfortable cruiser and does a decent impersonation of a shrunken Golf. Looks great in my opinion, too-I’ve a white 3dr with black roof and stripes.
Negatives? Mine has some wind noise the dealer is struggling to cure, and VW “customer services” do anything but-they literally do not give a damn about any issue you raise and fob you off (this is not just to do with the Up!, but my partner’s car too), thus my car will likely be the only VW I purchase.
The car is sensationally economical and great fun to throw about-you can drive the wheels off it without ever really getting into too much trouble. Sounds ace, and it settles into a comfortable cruiser and does a decent impersonation of a shrunken Golf. Looks great in my opinion, too-I’ve a white 3dr with black roof and stripes.
Negatives? Mine has some wind noise the dealer is struggling to cure, and VW “customer services” do anything but-they literally do not give a damn about any issue you raise and fob you off (this is not just to do with the Up!, but my partner’s car too), thus my car will likely be the only VW I purchase.
itcaptainslow said:
Negatives? VW “customer services” do anything but-they literally do not give a damn about any issue you raise and fob you off (this is not just to do with the Up!, but my partner’s car too), thus my car will likely be the only VW I purchase.
Many brands let themselves down with this sadly, not just VW.While the contract is between the customer and dealer, the manufacturer should be stepping up to ensure things run smoothly.
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
Shan't drone on as they are a bit marmite, but I think those of us that actually own them are almost resoundingly positive. I changed from a 330d saloon to a 3dr and still find it makes me smile nearly 3 years and 40,000 miles later. Also had a S2 Exige until recently and if deciding which car to use for a (legal speeds) blast it was 50:50!
Seats do leave a bit to be desired but as with most things you can get used to them pretty quickly. Economy is great with >60 mpg commuting along the A46 and build quality excellent.
Seats do leave a bit to be desired but as with most things you can get used to them pretty quickly. Economy is great with >60 mpg commuting along the A46 and build quality excellent.
clockworks said:
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
my neighbour has one and rates it very highly. Their other car is a Niro so she replaced a Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo with the Picanto, it looks pretty cool too. Pretty much identical to this one.It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
clockworks said:
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
I really like these, hidden gem. It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
g40steve said:
Not doing many miles & Meg280 sitting collecting dust & the family don’t like the ride.
Looking for a small fun motor & the UP fits the bill.
What do I need to know or look for?
Any options worth holding out for?
If you want a fun car that handles then the Fiesta Zetec S/ST Line is the car you want, the UP GTI just isn't as good.Looking for a small fun motor & the UP fits the bill.
What do I need to know or look for?
Any options worth holding out for?
Edited by g40steve on Friday 5th August 21:58
Zatec S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203143...
ST Line X:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
ST LIne Edition:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207187...
If you want something the same size as the UP then the Kia Picanto GT Line S is where I'd be looking:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202242...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207017...
biggbn said:
clockworks said:
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
I really like these, hidden gem. It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
Silvanus said:
biggbn said:
clockworks said:
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
I really like these, hidden gem. It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
Silvanus said:
biggbn said:
clockworks said:
Picanto GT Line S 1.0 turbo is worth considering as an alternative. No need to worry about options, as it comes with everything as standard - heated seats and steering wheel, climate, cruise, nav, dab, bluetooth, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, reverse camera, etc.
It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
I really like these, hidden gem. It is slightly down on power, but easily fixed with a remap.
50+ mpg, and a 7 year warranty.
ZX10R NIN said:
g40steve said:
Not doing many miles & Meg280 sitting collecting dust & the family don’t like the ride.
Looking for a small fun motor & the UP fits the bill.
What do I need to know or look for?
Any options worth holding out for?
If you want a fun car that handles then the Fiesta Zetec S/ST Line is the car you want, the UP GTI just isn't as good.Looking for a small fun motor & the UP fits the bill.
What do I need to know or look for?
Any options worth holding out for?
Edited by g40steve on Friday 5th August 21:58
Zatec S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203143...
ST Line X:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
ST LIne Edition:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207187...
If you want something the same size as the UP then the Kia Picanto GT Line S is where I'd be looking:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202242...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207017...
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