The new GTI design, which might be priced from $21,772 in the UK, has actually been developed to offer Volkswagen with a stylish competitor to the popular Abarth 500 (now 595). It will use a powered-up variation of the automaker’s newly introduced turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in a brand-building workout under the slogan ‘affordable performance’.
In the upcoming facelifted Up, the new EA211- designated triple provides 89bhp and 118lb feet of torque. A more heavily tuned version is already in usage in the Golf Bluemotion TSI, where it provides 113bhp and 147lb ft of torque– enough reserves, recommend Volkswagen sources, to supply the sub-1000kg Up with the efficiency to match present powered-up superminis.
The new engine will be offered with the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Prototypes of the Up GTI are said to be capable of a leading speed of more than 124mph and a 0-62mph time of around 8.0 sec when adjusted with the DSG.
The recently modified Abarth 595 has a bigger, turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 143bhp and 152lb feet in entry-level type and has either a basic five-speed manual or robotised automatic.
The Up GTI is likewise in line to receive a greatly retuned MacPherson strut (front) and torsion beam (rear) suspension with its own spring and damper rates, along with a decreased ride height.
