Volkswagen Up GTI - long-term review

Already covered in a thick layer of winter grime, the Up arrived with under 70 miles on its odometer. It’s up to 600 or so now, but the real fun begins at 1,000 miles, when it’s been properly run in and we can let the mighty 115bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine loose. Not long to go.

To the basic spec, we’ve added the Cruise and Park Pack, which for £300 gives cruise control and parking sensors. Climate Control is a £265 add-on, the Beats hi-fi another £370 and the City Emergency Braking Pack a further £380. All in, we’re at £16,330, from £14,055 before options. That’s about as expensive as you can make one of these things, and it’s still not bad at all. The standard spec already includes heated seats and smartphone integration, via a free app download that gives access to satnav and more detailed trip data, among other things.

First impressions? Well, most of its 600-odd miles have been on motorways, where the Up is as comfortable and refined as many far larger and more expensive cars. The seats are comfortable, the ride firm but not harsh and the engine punchy enough to hold its own in the outside lane. It’s been ours for two weeks and I’m already smitten. This can only end well…