Pricier Volkswagen Up GTI back on sale in UK
The best fast city car has been reintroduced for 2020, alongside a new R-Line model
You might recall that when Volkswagen's 115hp Up GTI went on sale last year, demand for right-hand-drive models was much higher than expected. So much higher in fact that the manufacturer had to temporarily close the UK order books just six months in. 1,451 GTIs were ordered in those early months, meaning the model represented 17 per cent of all Up sales for the whole year. Resounding affirmation of VW's decision to badge the car as a GTI (word is that not everyone was onboard with the idea), but bad news for anyone wanting a downsized hot hatch in time for Christmas.
Consequently, today's announcement that sales have now re-opened ought to go down well; as will VW's assurances that it has maximised the possible supply of right-hand drive Up GTIs. The returning sub 1.1-tonne car remains available in three and five door forms, with 115hp and 148lb ft of torque from its turbocharged three-pot sufficient to hit 62mph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 122mph. The one difference for 2020 that might hurt those who weren't able to snap up a GTI last year is a lift in price, with the new starting figure now £15,895 - £2k more than before.
The near 15 per cent hike in price obviously incorporates a larger step-up than inflation alone can account for (its popularity has clearly left an impression on Volkswagen) although it's worth pointing out that it's still comfortably cheaper than something like a Ford Fiesta ST-Line, which is three grand more in 100hp format. A Suzuki Swift Sport is still £18k. The latter has the overall performance advantage, but evidently there's more demand for tiny, well-specced, German-made city cars than lightweight hot hatches from Japan.
Indeed, VW has bolstered the availability of exactly that sort of Up variant with the addition of a new R-Line trim, which talks the talk with 17-inch wheels - the same diameter as the GTI's - black exterior details and bumpers specific to the trim. The Up R-Line even gets lowered suspension and a higher specification cabin, so you'd imagine that some buyers who would have otherwise gone for the GTI might be tempted. If they're not concerned about GTI bragging rights, the R-Line saves a healthy sum, starting at £14,280.
Is that so that, if Brexit goes tits up for Ze Germans and import tax is levied on every car they import, they can ‘drop the price’ by 15% on paper but then blame the subsequent 15% increase on our government (if you follow me?)
Personally I’d love one of these and would have one if I were to justify a small, fast and fun city car
However not only has the price gone up significantly since 2018 the finance deals are significantly worse too.
Like for like spec is now £50 a month more on PCP than last time.
Every review from 2018 says how good a car it is but the key factor in its success was the low price.
I can't see them selling many at this price. Hopefully they will see sense and offer come incentives and a decent finance offer next quarter
Not in the same size/price bracket than the Cooper S I was also considering, but it's certainly the one I'd have bought if my plans hadn't changed.
Blimey, we are selling these Up GTI's to those brits so fast that we can't build enough of them. Really. Well in that case stop production for a bit, then slap a £2000 price hike on one. Brits are stupid. They'll just pay it.
For anyone not able to buy one outright, and with discount's on Fiesta ST being good. And the fact Ford only charge 2.9% for finance, you'll probably be able to drive off in an ST for less a month than the up. I know which one I'd have.
Not hard to see why the warm version is generating rave reviews.
k do they fit 5 doors on an Up!?At the risk of smugness, it is a £12k to £14k car not a £17k one.
Still, great fun and cheap to run.
Having had a previous Swift Sport for 5 years before they too went crazy with pricing the Mk3, I'd go with one of those over a full price Up - several available in S Yorkshire at £13,995 brand new at the moment.
Either way - both are pretty rare sights on the road and make far more sense than a £40k 320d!
However not only has the price gone up significantly since 2018 the finance deals are significantly worse too.
Like for like spec is now £50 a month more on PCP than last time.
Every review from 2018 says how good a car it is but the key factor in its success was the low price.
I can't see them selling many at this price. Hopefully they will see sense and offer come incentives and a decent finance offer next quarter
Besides, get a few out the door at big £, then drop it to the same price as before and everyone will go wow what a bargain!
Blimey, we are selling these Up GTI's to those brits so fast that we can't build enough of them. Really. Well in that case stop production for a bit, then slap a £2000 price hike on one. Brits are stupid. They'll just pay it.
For anyone not able to buy one outright, and with discount's on Fiesta ST being good. And the fact Ford only charge 2.9% for finance, you'll probably be able to drive off in an ST for less a month than the up. I know which one I'd have.
Blimey, we are selling these Up GTI's to those brits so fast that we can't build enough of them. Really. Well in that case stop production for a bit, then slap a £2000 price hike on one. Brits are stupid. They'll just pay it.
Not in the same size/price bracket than the Cooper S I was also considering, but it's certainly the one I'd have bought if my plans hadn't changed.
I bought mine with a 1,500 miles on it for £12.4k, I think it offered outstanding value. Heater and AC are monumental, 44 mpg is the worst I have seen. Plenty of reviews moan about the gear change, but I think it’s fine.
Negatives? The sat nav/phone interface is beyond my brainpower, the suspension is a bit crashy, partially due to the concrete tyres that show little sign of wear at 5,500 miles. The wheels are a magnet for kerbs. The car has a soundaktor which is the work of the devil in my opinion, I had it disconnected.
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