The UP! GTi is back!

• The up! benefits from additional standard connectivity and safety tech
• Trim level structure is revised, with the introduction of sporty R-Line
• Entry-level up! available from £12,440 RRP OTR

he Volkswagen up! GTI has returned to sale, refreshed for 2020 as part of a significant enhancement of the whole up! range. These range revisions include new safety equipment, exciting new trim levels, and the accolade of being the first model in the UK to wear the new Volkswagen badge. Orders open today, with the entry-level up! trim starting at £12,440 RRP OTR.

Volkswagen’s smallest car – which received more awards in the UK last year than any other model in the brand’s range – is back for the new decade and better than ever.

Not only is the new up! the first model in the UK to wear the new Volkswagen logo, but more standard kit is offered including a multifunction camera with lane assist, curtain airbags and a smartphone integration cradle.

After a short hiatus, the critically-acclaimed and smallest Volkswagen GTI model makes its return. The up! GTI keeps its acclaimed and characterful 115 PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the GTI can complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.8 seconds. The other petrol engine option in the up! range is the 60 PS, 1.0-litre three-cylinder power plant. Furthermore, the improved e-up! pure-electric vehicle – with a vastly increased range of 162 miles – will be available to order soon.

Change starts with the standard up!, which benefits from new, generously-equipped trim levels. The entry-level car, fitted with 15-inch ‘Fortaleza’ alloy wheels, a five-inch colour Composition screen, smartphone navigation interface and DAB radio, is now simply named up!, and is available in both three and five-door body styles.

White and Black Edition versions are also now on sale, bringing 16-inch ‘La Boca’ wheels with black or white highlights, as well as a painted roof, mirror housings and dash pads finished in the corresponding colour. The White and Black Edition models are available only in practical five-door body style. Three-door versions are reserved for the GTI and entry-level model.

The cool Beats specification continues in the range, identifiable by its 15-inch ‘Radial’ alloy wheels, red or black mirror housings and Beats badging. On the inside is the exclusive Beats interior, while the car’s standout 300-watt sound system includes an under-boot-floor subwoofer by the famed audio specialist.

New to the up! range for 2020 is the R-Line specification. Bringing sportier features from Volkswagen’s R GmbH sub-brand, the up! R-Line has 16-inch ‘Triangle’ Black alloy wheels as standard and 17-inch ‘Polygon’ alloy wheels optionally available, while black painted roof and door mirror housings complement the sportier styling. Front fog lights sit within the bespoke R-Line bumper, while R-Line badging completes the styling package. The up! R-Line sits squatter than the standard up!, with lowered sports suspension. In addition, the high-end R-
Line receives comfort features such as heated front seats alongside electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

At the top of the line-up is the GTI, which returns with 17-inch ‘Oswald’ alloy wheels, GTI badging and the hallmark ‘Jacara’ checked cloth upholstery, as well as ambient lighting. This compact hot hatch’s winning package of usable everyday performance, GTI heritage and low running costs have won it many fans since its introduction in 2017. The up! GTI is available in both three- and five-door body styles.

Lisa Hartley, up! Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “The up! GTI is the perfect example of Volkswagen catering for enthusiasts and regular car buyers alike – the GTI has attracted numerous fans thanks to its unique blend of everyday practicality and usable
performance – in 2018 it won GQ’s ‘Scream If You Want To Go Faster’ award. So we haven’t messed with the formula.

“Simplicity is the word for the up!, with a rationalised specification range, and streamlined engine line-up reflecting its versatility. The addition of new technologies sees the up! range continuing to set the standard for the city car class. Despite its small size, it is a great example of how Volkswagen offers more customer choice than its rivals, with economical and stylish petrol options, a fully electric BEV and a highly-acclaimed hot hatch all within the same model range.”