Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Up GTI returns for 2020

After an emissions-related hiatus, the VW Up GTI is back atop a refreshed Up range

The Volkswagen Up GTI has returned to dealership order sheets after a sustained period off sale in the UK. Despite its popularity amongst both the press and punters, the Up GTI was another victim of WLTP-related emissions legislation that forced the model off-sale last year. Now though, the Up GTI is back, topping the updated Up range in both three- and five-door form.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Key power and performance numbers remain unchanged, with the same 113bhp turbocharged 1-litre petrol engine powering the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. 0-62mph is completed in an identical 8.8sec to the old car, while top speed is once again 122mph. 

> New Volkswagen Up GTI 2018 review – the hot hatch returns to its roots

A somewhat bizarre turn of events does mean that despite its power figure nearly doubling that of all other VW Up models, it’s actually both the cleanest (120g/km of CO2) and most efficient (53.3mpg) in the petrol range. All other Up models make do with a 59bhp 1-litre three-cylinder engine, aside from the all-electric Volkswagen e-Up.

Unfortunately what has changed is the GTI’s price, which now sits within touching distance of the £16k mark at £15,895 for the basic three-door version (the five-door costs from £16,295), nearly £2000 more than it was upon its original launch in 2017. 

The rest of the Up range is essentially as it was before, save for a new R-Line model that will sit beneath the GTI with bespoke front styling, 16-inch wheels and black styling elements inside and out.

As one of the few pint-sized hot hatchbacks still on sale, the reinvestment made by Volkswagen into the Up GTI is a great sign as we move into a time where legislation doesn’t favour either the hot hatchback or city car – let alone both. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is a hot hatch we’ve waited a decade for
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50
News

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is a hot hatch we’ve waited a decade for

Volkswagen is finally letting the Mk8 Golf GTI off its leash with a hardcore, track-honed version called the Edition 50. If it’s anywhere near as bril…
24 Jun 2025
Will the Toyota GR Corolla be sold in the UK after all?
Toyota GR Corolla
News

Will the Toyota GR Corolla be sold in the UK after all?

Toyota’s finally bringing the GR Corolla to UK soil three years after production began, but all is not quite as it seems
20 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025