The Only Way is Up!

[RosscoPCole]

After many years of running sheds and spending a fortune each year to keep them going. I decided to splash out on my first new car for 15 years. I wanted something small, practical and nippy and after reading many positive reviews I purchased a VW Up Gti. It had to be a five door as I have a family and the brightest colour I could get was red. To say I'm pleased is an understatement. It takes me back to my youth and the Metro I had. It just brings a smile to my face. I love that you can have fun at legal speeds and the noise it makes me giggle.
I am going to add my stamp to it. This has started already with pressed metal plates as I think that they look a lot better than the plain acrylic ones. I have also added wind deflectors to the front windows and one of the best pieces of design under the bonnet. It is a Skoda washer bottle cap, which turns into a funnel when you open it. Some other bits and bobs are on order and I have an appointment and a local graphics company to add a subtle but interesting twist to the roof. Here are a couple of rubbish photos taken on the drive the day I brought it home. Will update when I add more to it.

Edited by RosscoPCole on Tuesday 29th September 18:18

[clarki]

These cars have a huge appeal these days. At an age now where fun at sensible speeds is far more enjoyable than trying to prove who's the biggest, bestest, fastest, whateverest.

Looks ace in red.

[Cambs_Stuart]

These do look like fun. Nice camper too.

[RC1807]

I'm sure they're a fun little car.
I've been talking about changing my ST for a few years, but I just can't do it because I don't know what to replace it with.

Volkswagen Luxembourg is offering the Up! GTI on a 4 year lease.
€16k ticket price, 25% down and €125 / month with 15k km / year.
That's a €10k 4 year rental.

[Patrick1964]

Pretty much the same power and weight as my very much loved 1985 Audi 80 sport (or a 5 door Mk 2 8V Golf gti) was back in the day. Brilliant.

[Greg_D]

these certainly are appealing. i think they are a great bit of design and look utterly fit for purpose.

I can totally see why you are chuffed with it, great buy...

[Macron]

I thought there was a risk these would look over wheeled given the total dimensions, but VW have it spot on, it looks ace!

Edited by Macron on Thursday 1st October 18:42

[RosscoPCole]

Some more purchases have arrived. Replaced the headlamp bulbs with Osram Night Breakers and the indicators with Osram Diadem Chrome to get rid if the orange bulb look.
Going to a local wrapping company with some ideas tomorrow. Nothing over the top. It will still be red when finished!

[Roboticarm]

They took them off sale for a while then made them available again earlier this year with a massive price increase. I was genuinely interested but the price hike plus very poor finance rates means I got an abarth 595 for a better deal.
The abarth is faster (165 bhp Vs 115) but the up was a better drive, smoother on the motorway and in 5dr format much more practical.
Still on my list for next time if they improve the deal

Excellent choice OP

[RosscoPCole]

Roboticarm said:

They took them off sale for a while then made them available again earlier this year with a massive price increase. I was genuinely interested but the price hike plus very poor finance rates means I got an abarth 595 for a better deal.
The abarth is faster (165 bhp Vs 115) but the up was a better drive, smoother on the motorway and in 5dr format much more practical.
Still on my list for next time if they improve the deal

Excellent choice OP

I would love an Abarth, but need 5 doors for family life. I did have a Mini Clubman (the one with the one suicide door) for a while, but it just didn't work with kids and a dog. Also there are a fewer Up Gtis on the road.

[RosscoPCole]

This car has not disappointed. It still makes me smile every time I go out in it. It is has great performance and economy. Though I think performance is winning just at present. Next present for Dug arrived today. The name is from my kids who have named the car after the friendly dog in the Up movie!

More things are on the way and I have been in touch with a local wrapping company who are coming up with ideas for the roof.

[RosscoPCole]

Had the roof wrap done to match the jacara tartan of the seats. Then a ceramic coating by an amazing local company called varletingbros. Also added carbon mirror covers and dynamic mirror indicators.

[RosscoPCole]

It didn't snow today as some weather forecasts predicted, so I decided to create my own.

Also added my Christmas present to myself, a custom gear knob made by a local chap to match the gti tartan. He recycles old skateboards.