Since the 1970s, the hot hatch has developed apace, gradually increasing in technical complexity, size and grunt to the point where Volkswagen’s rangetopping Golf R now produces more horsepower than a Ferrari 250GTO.
Exciting, then, that the German firm has decided to go back to basics with its most recent variant – the up! GTI – by matching low weight with moderate power, harking back to the pioneering cars that helped define the hot-hatch breed.
The base for the new model is the diminutive up! – an affordable city car with a tiny footprint, simple body and a frugal 999cc, three-cylinder engine – which was universally well received on launch in 2011.
This version takes things up a notch, with ride height lowered by 15mm, a slick six-speed manual ’box (the standard car makes do with five ratios) and a high-pressure turbocharged version of the ‘EA211’ triple producing 114bhp and 147ft lb of torque.
The track has been widened by 8mm, and the huge 17in wheels offer 4mm less positive offset than the cooking model, further widening the footprint.
The interior is well finished, with smart tartan trim, a chunky leather wheel and a red-and-black carbon-effect dashboard.
