Anyone here own an UP Gti?

stevec

Member
Wales
Hi all. Apologies if in wrong chat section, but would like any feedback from owners of an UP Gti.The wife Got one as a loan car and I'm well impressed with it so far. Plenty of get up and go with comfortable but firm ride qualiry.
Thanks Steve
 
Vw would appear to have stopped taking orders on brand new UP Gti,s after only a year of on/off production. There are still a few low mileage demos available to buy at dealers though.
 
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Thanks Ian.

Hi Steve, hope you are keeping well. I do indeed have the up! GTI and was at Stanford Hall this weekend with fellow owners. The cars attracted a lot of attention.

As Dave says, the order books are firmly closed, and this looks to be a permanent move as VW look to switch to more electric-based vehicles. There are still some unregistered and pre-registered stock about as well as some used cars, so all is not lost if this is a move you wish to make.

The up! GTI isn't about out and out acceleration. It is a throwback to a bygone era of basic motoring, with a balanced power to weight ratio and a punchy engine to please the enthusiast driver. Di has a TSI up!, this too is no longer available to order, but despite the small footprint, either car copes admirably as family transport. The TSI last year took the 4 of us on a ten day holiday and achieved a staggering 63mpg (DIS-based granted).

At the beginning of the year, I believe there were circa 1300 GTIs registered in the UK. Based on fulfilling customer orders and bringing this to a conclusion. there'll likely only be around 2000 or so on the road in Blighty. A possible future classic this little pocket-rocket.

If you want any advice and or have any questions, just say.

Cheers,

Darren
 
Andrew is a great chap and serial VAG enthusiast, as well as specialist seller in said marques and a journalist. He is also a member here. I had the pleasure of enjoying his company at Stanford Hall the weekend just gone and talking many things up! GTI and Audi A2 related.

Andrew has created many up! GTI videos on his channel, plenty of content to be informative to any potential buyer. He was one of the first to drive the car in the UK and is probably one of the best authorities on the car having owned one and driven many.

This may be of interest...
 
Thanks guys.
Yes i agree having owned 3 mk1 golf gtis the up gti drives familiar to them. Not totally as mk1 golfs didn't have power steering. But there is a similarity between them. Having driven the up today i can honestly say it is a very easy car to drive. The exhaust (speakers) note sounds good with excellent response from the accelerator pedal. The ride position is good with a slightly better driving view than the A2. Not looking to change at the mo, but maybe in 2-3 years time this could be the car for me.
 
It is curious what VW did with this car. They built up interest for about a year before it was launched. When the prices were announced they were at the lower end of expectations. And then they just strangled supply (at least of the RHD models). It is like they wanted to use it for a bit of publicity but didn't really want to sell any. And now they have finally killed it. If the supply / waiting list situation had been sensible they would surely have sold several thousand?
 
It wasn't a factory order, but a built and in the dock car. Option wise:
  • Black roof
  • Cruise control and rear parking sensors
  • Reversing camera (yes, I know it is the size of a shoe ;))
  • Beats audio
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Hi Darren.
What spec do u have on ur UP?
Thanks Steve
 
I think VW were caught with their pants down, demand significantly outstripped supply. The engine was also competing for T-Roc attention too. Early customers waited 9 months or more in some cases. Then there has been all of the renewed attention on emissions testing and despite the GTI having a particle filter, the mood music and continued attention is driving manufacturers away from conventional combustion engines. Again, despite sales, there won't be as much profit for VW in the up! as with its bigger siblings.

I agree in a different climate, the GTI would have continued to sell, as the appeal, fun, cost and efficiency has attracted a lot of attention.

It is curious what VW did with this car. They built up interest for about a year before it was launched. When the prices were announced they were at the lower end of expectations. And then they just strangled supply (at least of the RHD models). It is like they wanted to use it for a bit of publicity but didn't really want to sell any. And now they have finally killed it. If the supply / waiting list situation had been sensible they would surely have sold several thousand?
 
Darren - due to what VW did I think you have a car where the residual value will hold up unusually well!

Steve C - one thing you can look forward to with an UP (even the GTI) is a fantastic ride quality - particularly compared to the A2. First time I ever drove one I was amazed how such a small car could have such a big car 'feel'.
 
I do hope so, rarity will certainly help in this regard. I agree with your second point entirely. The clever packaging of the up! reminds me of the A2 in many respects; said with full appreciation for the differing build and pioneering status of the latter.

Darren - due to what VW did I think you have a car where the residual value will hold up unusually well!

Steve C - one thing you can look forward to with an UP (even the GTI) is a fantastic ride quality - particularly compared to the A2. First time I ever drove one I was amazed how such a small car could have such a big car 'feel'.
 
Yes - the A2 was famously built to a quality without proper consideration of cost - since when the Accountants in the VW group have taken control!
 
I am very impressed with my daughters Black edition up. And was looking forward to getting the UP gti as a loaner car.
As you stated excellent ride quality, but i am disappointed with the high road noise at speeds above 50mph (lack of sound insulation).
I Still have the loaned up gti till tomorrow morning, gonna have to give it back(reluctantly) as i don't have a spare £14k hanging about.
Thanks All for much needed info on this little hot hatch
@Darren C I would be very interested in a detailed yearly running cost on your up. (minus the cleaning products tho) :D
 
Ahh well. Through gritted teeth i handed back the Up Gti. What a nice, easy, and exciting car to drive. Seriously thinking now of having the A2 fettled with. As nice as my A2 is in standard form, got to give it a chance over next 3 years to change my mind.
Steve
 
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