Volkswagen is revamping their entry-level Up, which was first unveiled in 2011 at the International Motor Show Germany. The original unit was a city car with a front engine and front wheel drive. It came in the form of a 3-door or 5-door hatchback. The unit was due for improvements and Volkswagen has definitely delivered.
As per Auto Car, VW has fast-tracked their plans to enhance the unit and it has done so by adding a new range-topping GTI model. The new unit, which will be priced upwards of £15,000, or $165,000, will use a more powered version of Volkswagen's 1.0-liter three cylinder petrol engine.
This engine is actually being used as a brand-building tool, since the German car company is aiming to live up to their motto of "affordable performance." For the Up GTI, the engine will be offered with the option of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Earlier prototypes were reported to top in at 124 mph and can go from 0 to 62 mph at 8 seconds.
Motor Authority adds that the new Up GTI has around 113 hp, despite the engine's standard of 88 hp. And while this power is generally lower than its competitors such as the Fiat 500 Abarth and MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, the unit already weighs in at just around 2,050 pounds.
The unit has not yet been officially launched, but will sport a MacPherson front and torsion rear suspension. Like the original, it will be sold in 3-door and 5-door body versions, with 16-inch wheels and 205/40-profile tires as well as wider sills and twin chrome tailpipes.
It is also expected to sport an aero kit, dual exhaust tops and 17-inch alloys like the original unit. The interiors of the unit are likely to have a golf ball style gear-lever knob, tartan cloth upholstery and individual instrument graphics.
