The Volkswagen Up GTI created a desirable problem for its maker when it arrived in 2018.
At that time, the cheapest way of bagging yourself a warmed-up city car was the Renault Twingo GT or Suzuki Swift Sport.
But both were significantly more expensive than the snub-nosed Wolfsburg warrior. And both were less economical, less fun to drive and not quite as well resolved. The result, apparently to VW's surprise, was an order backlog that began almost immediately and didn't really stop until the car went out of production at the start of 2023.
What's the deal, then? Why did a lukewarm hatchback with 118bhp, a 0-62mph time of 8.8sec and a top speed of 122mph become such a sales hit?
This story is from the August 07, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 07, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ABARTH 500E
Our electric hot hatch captures the zeitgeist in both good ways and bad
MASERATI MC20
Lesser-spotted Italian supercar joins the fleet. Can it justify its hefty price tag?
BMW M2
Did this compact(ish) M car endear itself to us during its time here? We reveal all
Donuts not welcome
Tanoshi's meets are a new kind of modified car event. John Evans heads along
TUNNEL VISIONARIES
The Eurotunnel service turns 30 this year, as does another groundbreaking cross-continent shuttle the Audi RS2. Stephen Dobie toasts their success
The fabric of time
The new soft-top Roma Spider can trace its roots back 60 years to the 275 GTS that revolutionised front-engined Ferrari convertibles. Simon Hucknall drives them both
AC SCHNITZER ACS2 SPORT
Attention-grabbing German tuning firm turns up the wick on BMW's M2
KIA EV6
There are facelifts - you know, subtle design changes, maybe some new tech- and then there are 'facelifts' that are actually comprehensive revisions.
VOLVO EX90
New seven-seat SUV will soon join XC90 in showrooms as a technological trailblazer for Volvo's all-electric future
Toyota holds firm on hydrogen
Japanese giant says infrastructure is crucial to its viability as future green vehicle fuel
