Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Up GTI (2017-2023) – design

The handsome Up is made even more desirable by a selection of typical-GTI design cues

Evo rating
  • An entertaining car to drive, even if it isn’t in the conventional hot hatch manner; high quality interior
  • Some of the interior’s quality should have gone into the chassis

One factor that makes the Up GTI so desirable is its tough and chunky looks. The basic Up, with its clean lines and short overhangs, is a very fine looking car and fits with the very sharp, subtle and elegant designs of other modern Volkswagens. Although, less understated are the VW badges on the Up that look 25 per cent too large, but that does give the impression the car is even smaller than it is.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As for the specific GTI elements – the big, diamond-cut wheels pushed right out to each corner, the red grille highlights, side stripes and its spoiler flicking off the trailing edge of the roof – they make it look like a proper performance car, no matter what its size.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford’s Hypercar will use a roaring V8 to take on Ferrari once again
Ford Hypercar V8
News

Ford’s Hypercar will use a roaring V8 to take on Ferrari once again

A 5.4-litre V8 derived from the heart of the Mustang will power Ford’s hopes of taking to the top step
16 Jan 2026
Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) review – is this the best 911 GT3 ever?
Porsche 911 GT3 – front
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 (992.2) review – is this the best 911 GT3 ever?

A new look, cleaner engine and S/T-inspired chassis upgrades are key changes for the latest 911 GT3. Has the formula been perfected?
16 Jan 2026
Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here
Caterham Project V
News

Caterham Project V is delayed, but a running prototype is finally here

Caterham’s new age electric coupe is now officially behind schedule, but the first running prototype has now been unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon
13 Jan 2026