Help Me Spec 'My' New Volkswagen Up GTi

The Jaguar F-Type R has gone (boo), but in a few months, I'll get to look after a brand new Up GTi! Question is, how should I spec it?
Help Me Spec 'My' New Volkswagen Up GTi

That’s right, after around four months of supercharged V8 F-Type R goodness, the car has been collected, leaving me with a Jaguar X-Type project car (soon to be lifted) a 2004 Seat Ibiza that belongs to my girlfriend and whose check engine light has come on this week, and an engineless MX-5.

Phil's engine has been pulled and handed to its new owner in preparation for a V6 (coming soon)
Phil's engine has been pulled and handed to its new owner in preparation…

I am, therefore, a mere pedestrian, whose only reliable means of transport are my legs. Not good for a car guy. And so I asked the guys in the office about what long-term test car I should aim for next.

BMWs, Audis, and Fords were thrown into the mix, but when CT Editor Matt mentioned the hot little VW Up GTi, I was sold instantly. It’s small, fun, easy to place on the road, looks cool and is a car that everyone’s talking about. What’s more, it has fewer than half the cylinders of the Jaaaag, so will be super economical, although around 24mpg from a supercharged V8 F-Type over four months is pretty good going.

Supercharged V8 life was awesome, but it's time for something completely different!
Supercharged V8 life was awesome, but it's time for something completely…

As for the Up, that costs from £14,150 for the five-door version (that’s the way I’m leaning, although feel free to talk me into a three-door), and comes with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine with 113bhp, 147lb ft and a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds (figures very close to the original Golf GTi).

It comes with tartan seats, a six-speed manual gearbox and an honesty about it that very few cars possess.

Tartan seats FTW!
Tartan seats FTW!

I am, therefore, really looking forward to spending a few months getting to know the car, and telling you guys what I like and maybe dislike about it; the Up GTi is, after all, a car that many of you will have looked at and thought ‘hmmm, maybe I’ll have to look at one of those’, so it’s nice to be able to report on a car that’s more attainable than the F-Type might have been.

So, to kick things off, I want you to help me build ‘my’ one (that’s right, like the Skoda Kodiaq Ethan is running, this is another factory order, so the choice is ours!).

Here’s a link to the Up GTi configurator, so have a look at the options and let me know what you’d like to see. I like the sound of the bike and kayak holder (because I like mountain biking and kayaking), so take a look for yourselves and leave your thoughts below.

Cheers!

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Comments

TheBigLoser
02/13/2018 - 16:31 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I really like the “This side Up!” Stickers!

02/13/2018 - 16:57 |
5 | 0
Alex Kersten

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Me too. Definitely an option that will be ticked!

02/13/2018 - 17:34 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Up R?

02/13/2018 - 17:59 |
0 | 0
Tarek Khan

I’ve gone on a certified mad one and ticked basically all options because who doesn’t need a kayak holder?

02/13/2018 - 18:06 |
0 | 0
Sushil manoj

Add the beats audio system

02/13/2018 - 18:13 |
0 | 0
5:19.55

vw.co.uk/s/2tmnz

02/13/2018 - 18:20 |
1 | 0
The Stig's Bulgarian cousin

I think the 3 door suits more the spirit the up!, and the Golf Mk 1 GTi. And here is my Up! . It’s the way I will configure mine . Little fun adventure machine! Cheers, Alex! And get Phil breathing again ASAP ! This is the Up!: vw.co.uk/s/2tmr6

02/13/2018 - 18:48 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

White colour+every optional, including the “this side up!” sticker on the roof, it would be a cool easter egg on the drone shots. I’d go with the white one tbh.

02/13/2018 - 19:08 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Like this

02/13/2018 - 19:08 |
0 | 0
Tiggr

Here’s my setup. Basically almost everything ticked… vw.co.uk/s/2tmwb

02/13/2018 - 19:22 |
0 | 0