A sports car in original GTI format. It is the small GTI that enables younger drivers to fulfil a dream, and those who are perhaps not-so-young to rekindle old memories: four decades after the first Golf GTI made its debut, the new up! GTI is launching in 2018. A sporty car very much in the spirit of the original GTI. The concept and power output of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! GTI are broadly in line with the Golf GTI Mk1 unveiled in 1976 with 81 kW / 110 PS. As a compact bundle of power, the new up! GTI pays tribute to this icon – with crisp dimensions, low weight, a powerful and fuel-efficient engine (WLTP consumption, combined: 5.7 to 5.6 l/100 km), greater downforce on the rear axle, sports running gear and the typical insignia of a GTI (including red stripes in the radiator grille, red brake calipers and "Clark" plaid seat covers). The sports car brings a new dimension of driving fun to the small car class, thus creating a clear link back to the very first compact Golf GTI. One typical GTI element is the finely tuned sports running gear. It gives the car the agility of a go-kart, while simultaneously providing a high level of comfort. The GTI will also be the first up! to come with a petrol particulate filter. The up! GTI fulfils the new European Euro 6 AG emissions standard with this catalytic converter system. However, the most powerful of all up! models remains affordable. As with the Golf GTI Mk1, high performance does not mean high prices with the new up! GTI either. In Germany, for example, the home country of the GTI inventor, the series' top model is available for €16,975 – including sports running gear (15 mm lower body), air conditioning, ambient lighting, redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels ("Brands Hatch") and an infotainment system.
Other key parameters of the up! GTI read like those of a Golf GTI Mk1 transported to modern times. Weight: 1,070 kg. Top speed: 196 km/h. 0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds. Its colours are classic and typical of the GTI: the monochrome hues "pure white", "red", "dark silver metallic" and "black pearl". The roof of the white, red and silver up! GTI is also optionally available in contrasting "black". The sports running gear and the steering ratio of the electromechanical power steering, meanwhile, are tuned for crisp handling. A sound actuator ensures that the new up! sounds like a GTI inside but is compatible with the city outside.