Volkswagen might have restructured their product plans in the aftermath of the Dieselgate, but they won’t focus solely on electrified powertrains.
In fact, the Germans are said to be working on a range-topping version of the Up! city car, which will be named the GTI. Coming to back up this statement is AutoExpress, who claim to have driven such a prototype in South Africa, and the verdict is on the positive side.
“VW has given its smallest car a real grown-up GTI feel. Just like the Golf GTIs, the Up! has that blend of fast fun and everyday usability. Our early drive shows plenty of promise with decent performance, the all-important GTI feel and excellent quality. It’s just a shame we’re going to have to wait so long for it“, the Brit publication wrote.
The more potent member of the city car is said to use a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, with increased compression ratio and a high-pressure turbo. It will put out 114 HP, which is estimated to provide an 8.8-second 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and it’s unknown yet whether an automatic is on the list.
On the visual front, the VW Up! GTI will set itself apart with a small rear wing, a more visible tailpipe and body stripes, while inside, it’s said to have a sportier steering wheel and gearshift lever, black dash panel with small red dots, and tartan seat upholstery.
Enthusiasts will have two wait 12 months for Volkswagen to lift the veils off the Up! GTI, and it remains to be seen whether the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo will follow the same path.
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