2020 VW Up GTI review – the best hot hatch on a budget? | What Car?

Think you have to pay big bucks to get genuine hot hatch thrills? Think again. The Volkswagen Up GTI looks like it has all the ingredients to be a brilliant pocket rocket, and happens to be one of the cheapest ones you can buy. But is it any good? Find out in our review

What Car? is the UK's biggest car-buying brand and has been helping Britain's car buyers make purchasing decisions for more than 40 years. Our tests are widely regarded as the most trusted source of new car advice.

This channel brings you trusted reviews on all the new models on the market, all the latest first drives, reader reviews, and great car-buying advice.

Follow What Car? here:

[cannavaras]

9/10 for the review. Would have been 10 but you needed a bigger scarf!

[mr_glasgow]

Replaced my Golf R estate with this and I have to say, I love it. I would improve the lights and suspension but overall, it’s more fun to drive and offers real value for money.

[studentstyle]

As a young driver in the UK this car is very close to perfect. Cheap to buy, insure and run, desirable VW badge(along with GTI badging too!), practically small enough to use in large over crowded cities and it isnt fast enough to kill you when racing between the lights! it is fast enough to enjoy more than the standard new driver choices

personally as someone who likes cars enough but not a car enthusiast, I would certainly look at one of these as a first car which will look good on the road aswell as instagram social media ;) ... i am the VW target market

[williamgravatt]

great review, although I think the massive scarf muffled some of the audio. We all know you have a baby bump under there so you might as well show it rather than trying unsuccessfully to hide it! :)

[moreaka]

Anyone who slags this car off! Hasn't drove one. Fast for what it is, it really will put a smile on your face, amazing value, future classic.

[ericgeorge]

I have owned a mid range UP! for 5 years and its a great car. I'd love a go in one of these!!

[samdurling]

The seeing the dials part is not true. I've got an up! And I can see the dials no problem at all

[EinkOLED]

Nice review Rebecca and congratulations to your new baby.

[HighTen_Melanie]

Yes but does it come with a scarf holder?

[ThisIsDaxter]

Why does the title say 2020?

This video/car was released in 2018...

[johnMcRock]

In Denmark the Swift sport is about the same price, has LED lamps and all the extras.. it's a much better deal, with better space, better seats, Sat nav, 7" info system

[clockworkpotato]

How could you possibly recommend VW UP? MINI is the only option in this segment in UK.

[blackhagalaz]

Great review thanks! My husband and I think about getting either a VW UP!, or a Skoda Citigo (which of course are pretty similar), this all sounds pretty great for our needs, since we will drive in the city like 90% and need a cheap, decent car for everyday needs. Since I am a big person, the extra room in the front sounds very good, which was one of my concerns with buying a small car. But a small car is really all we need. So I am looking forward to test drive the UP! soon.

[StillAliveAndKicking_]

A scarf that can talk and drive a car. Now I’ve seen everything.

[alierikenoglu]

A wonderful car reviewed by an equally wonderful and dignified reviewer :)

[buggybugson]

Out of the three mentioned at the start (this, the Twingo, or the 595) I'd have this. It's faster than the Twingo and isn't as immature as the 595.

[SaadSuleman]

The real star of this video is the scarf.

[PnsSums]

Hi does this have a dry or wet timing belt? Thankd

[raymosunday]

Will this be coming to South Africa? If not, how or where can I go or contact of i really want this car?

[dominicfong]

Why does she have a curtain wrapped around her neck!