In an homage to the original Golf GTI, Volkswagen has decided to use the UP! GTI as that model. Why? I guess it is to match what the Golf GTI Mk1 in terms of size and power? That seems to be the case for VW. For example, the original Golf GTI Mk1 had only 110ps way back in 1976. Over the years, the Golf has gotten fat and in order to match the original Mk1, the UP! seems to be the logical choice.
The UP! GTI has 115ps and it also includes certain similarities to the original Mk1 such as the tartan seats. The car is also meant to be a small sporty car with the agility of the go-kart. It weighs only 997kg and has a top speed of 197kmh. It reaches the century sprint in 8.8 seconds. Not exactly the speed of a formula 1 car but not everything is all about reaching that 100kmh. The UP! is powered by a turbocharged TSI engine which produces 115ps and 200Nm of torque.
You get a choice of the following colours such as “tornado red” and “pure white” and the metallic colours “dark silver”, “black pearl” as well as “costa azul” (blue). Personally, I think white looks the best for the little hot hatch.
I would say, what was Volkswagen thinking but until it comes out of concept mode and ready for production (VW says around 2018), I will reserve my judgement.
