Could The 90PS VW Up! Turbo Really be better than The GTI? 

Really enjoy the reviews of these smaller, less aspirational cars. Currently waiting for my Kia Picanto to be delivered, checked it out initially based on your review of it and was very impressed. I would not be surprised if more car enthusiasts (reluctantly?) start looking at these smaller and more economical city cars, given the massively inflated prices of everything in the present era.

I’ve had an Up! GTI and have owned an Up! Black for the last 5 years. Such an easy car to drive and look after. Would have no hesitation buying another or recommending one.

I believe the “Sub-7 Up” came to be before the GTI was announced. I believe Misha may have released a video around the GTI was announced/released explaining why they didn’t think it was worth the upgrade to that platform.

Jay Emm, you’re arguably the best car review man on RU-vid. Thanks for your excellent imbued with passion vlogs. I’ve been enjoying every single one. Cheers!

Congratulations on the quarter million! That's incredible and definitely a legitimate milestone worth celebrating! I love watching your car reviews!

I do think you're a little harsh on the up gti. It's better than the lupo in so many ways. Sure the ludo has more power but the up has that nice balance between refinement and fun that I think the gti badge is all about. The lupo gti is about feeling terrified whilst you feel it's terrible chassis getting ready to betray you as soon as it can! Which is also good fun I suppose, depending on who you ask. It's all horses for courses I suppose 😊

Had this one for 3years, fun little car which surprised quite some others how relatively quick it was - and it rides like a bigger car than it is.

This reminds me so much of my Echo/ MK1 Yaris but you can get 108 hp or 150hp turbo. Something about little cars like this being so approachable and useful makes them the perfect daily runabout. Not to mention efficient to run. Love them.

I owned a TSI for 13 months. Did a stage 1 tune (135hp 225nm) and i loved it! 200km/h in 4th gear and 100km/h in second gear is a bit boring tho… I now have a Up GTI and the 6 speed manual transforms the car!! Yes the GTI is more expensive but it’s worth every penny. Just test drive a GTI when thinking about buying one.

“Last Car”!!!!!! Never heard that phrase before, sent a shiver down my spine! Great vid tho James!

You don’t need an aux cable just a regular lightning cable for an iPhone to connect to the car or you can use Bluetooth

I’ve got a beats edition of the UP!90TSI. Brilliant car, quick and well speced. Only place where I’d disagree with your review is mpg. I never see less than 50 mpg even at high speed motorway dashes. It’s a great second car.

I bought an up for my son to learn in a couple of years ago and I find myself using it nearly all the time. Wee cars are fun. If you've not driven one for ages, remind yourself what it's like. That's before you consider the running costs as well. Something I never used to bother about. I do now...

I had a normal UP for a work car for 5 months or so. It was great fun to rag on, not very fast or quick and didn't handle the best but it was fun.

Bought one from new on a 17 plate , specced sports pack and an interior trim upgrade . Having tested the gti, at the dealers request when it eas launched , I am really really glad I chose the tsi . Brilliant brilliant car and with the stiffer suspension it is great fun to thrash around on the back-roads . Love it ❤

Mate you deserve far far more subscribers. Absolutely loving the amazing content and would you consider reviewing a Volvo c30? :)

Love the variety on this channel. Keep it up Jay!

First time on this channel. Got to say, very informative and very well presented! Kept me engaged the whole time even while I am quite tired. Great personality and fun to watch.

I love the way l can hear every word he says, clear and concise speech, it matters, thank you. I enjoy your videos very much. From Geoff in Feilding, New Zealand.

Have a bog standard up and a GTi in the family. The boggo car is a great car and actually has more guts and is more fun to drive than a 75 I tried oddly...that was slow which makes me wonder if some vary in how they drive? The GTi is a funky little car in black and has more than enough power for what it is on the road. It doesn't feel totally planted on a sweeping b road, but maybe stickier Goodyear F1 rubber would sort that. Overall I have a grin driving both and am always astounded at the frugality; can go a month between fill ups. The lupo GTi was good as you say, however it was no faster than the up gti and also suffered from float at speed on a back road. The fact the up is 15 years newer for similar money seals the deal for me. Also will a Kia hold its money as well as a GTi? Doubt it.

Nice review. We bought my son a Citigo Monte Carlo for his 17th. Great little 1st car and we all enjoy driving it (just don't get enthusiastic round corners). The design is great..the phone mount is genius and with the app you can monitor mpg etc. Cheap to insure, he's averaging 54mpg and it's easy to park..just a great little city car. My only gripe is the seat design of the 3 door. 30 years ago my Peugeot 205 gti had seats that lifted forward with one hand and reset with the same backrest angle and seat runner position. The citigo seats slide forward and the backrest moves to its foremost position which is great for getting in and out of the back seat...however you then need to use 2 hands to move the seat back and try to find the same position on the backrest!!? As you can imagine this means the driver is constantly having to reset their driving position..a right pain in the Ar$e!😬 Other than that..great little car. 👍🏻

I owned an up for nearly two years, loved it, only issue was the traction and stability that cut in every time you’d have a bit of fun, would’ve been a properly brilliant car without it.

My wife had one of these for a couple of years, it was a hoot to drive. The interior and dash were very solid, but very minimal. My wife now has the Picanto GTS with the turbo engine (which, FYI not all GT Picanto's have). The GTS is just as good to drive, looks the business and has a fully loaded interior that easily beats the UP's. These small cars with their little turbo engines are some of the best cars to drive on UK country roads in my opinion, great fun and all within the speed limit too!

Disagree with some of the points made, although Jay has obviously driven many many more vehicles than me, I would still call the Up! fun to drive. We own a 2018 Up! Beats and honestly it's a fab little car that I drive semi frequently. We only have the 75ps version and I've long wanted the upgrade to the turbo version. My other vehicles are a Vivaro day van and a highly strung MX5 NC so this little Up! is a breath of fresh air and it's good fun as the engine makes hard work of progress so you can really thrash it if the mood takes you. One element overlooked in this review, is it's ability on the motorway. It rides really well for a small car and will happily mile munch at 70+ MPH without feeling out of puff. It's not all about wazzing round corners.

Got one. Love it. No need for an aux cable - Bluetooth audio is standard. As is DAB radio. More comfortable ride than the Gti because the TSi doesn't have lowered suspension. Get one with climate control, auto lights, auto wipers, cruise, parking sensors and you're laughing!! The high-up trim also has heated front seats and heated mirrors. By the way, most High-ups are not the 90bhp version. You easily tell you are looking at a 90bhp one because of the exposed exhaust at the back.

From someone owning a somewhat not original VW up! getting the GTI model if you plan on tuning your car is useless. Myself I have a mapping, forge air intake, lowered suspension and exhaust system. Side by side with a GTI its the exact same. Both cars with maps come out to round about 135-140 hp including gains from exhaust and intake. The 6 speed isn't an advantage either as in a drag race the longer gear ratio on the TSI lets it pull ahead. Since the up does 200 kmh in 15 work days its the acceleration that counts. The engine noise with an exhaust system is amazing no need for fake engine noise. (the air intake helps aswell). The GTi may well be better if you plan on keeping it stock but for anyone planning to change it up the TSi works better in every way. I still recommend the up TSI to anyone as a first car be that stock or tuning it has a big community for tuning because VW and is easyish to work on(the space is very limited in the engine bay other that that great car would buy again. PS: this car is underestimated a lot i have gapped some unsuspecting people from red lights up until 4rth where the up shows the lack of power.

The Picanto for me. Really nice blue colour on this little car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

I cant find an episode in the videos so I will ask the question,may we have an I20N review please?

I drove a white 12 plate back in 2013 when my Volvo broke down at xmas. It was nippy and a buzzy solid 3 cylinder thrum from that small engine.

The very wide range of cars that you feature, give lots of us food for thought, particularly about cars that might not have been considered previously.

My wife has a 2019 1.0 TSI Beats edition. We searched high and low as we wanted it as a cheaper version of a GTI. I must say....its brilliant and the only thing I think it would benefit from is eibach lowering springs to stiffen it up a bit and reduce the ride height. Great to see a review of one of these little city cars though. Well done Jay

Great review as always James. Have you ever considered reviewing a 335i/xi e90/e92 with the n54 engine? Many people consider these a worthy alternative to the M3 generation of its time, especially as a few bolt-on modifications can make it quicker and handle almost as sharp as the equivalent M3 (before the M4 existed) Some say that the later n55 engine was the basis of the S55 that was found and powered the F80/F82 M3/M4. I feel that 335i/xi of this generation are underappreciated since their tuning and modification potential was under-appreciated and unrecognized during the era of these cars. A fully modified 335i/xi without M-Sport could be considered the ultimate modern-day sleeper. Every BMW with M-Sport is assumed to be faster and more capable from what I've observed, even though they simply just look better. With the new cars, its difficult to tell the difference between a standard model and M-Sport, especially if both cars are dark colours

Love the review. My elderly mother pranged her Polo and I just got her one. I have been driving it for a month and absolutely love it. A perfect 'first or last' car. My one has all the looks and toys of the GTI but this engine. It's a hoot. Although when I go back to my 300+PS Jag XE I do see the difference ;) Love the line about old people and young people.

What about the swift sport?

I'm guessing without knowing that the GTI was driven on it's original rubber in winter if the test was indeed done a year ago. The Goodyears fitted to the GTI as standard are low rolling resistance tyres and they are quite frankly shite, but even with those on (summer only obvs) I have never felt mine lacking stability, not once has it scared me with less than predictable behaviour and I drive pretty fast tbh. Fit better tyres and the car is even better accrding to those that have done so, on the issue of power you can re-map a GTI aswell and then it's like it should have come from the factory with around 140 bhp. The only thing I feel they are lacking are better front seats and slightly better sound insulation, and perhaps a little longer 6th gear, it's un-neccesary revvy at high motorway speeds. Apart from that I absolutely love mine, and I've had alot of cars, new and old, fast and slow.

Gti defo needs a stage 1. Mines is running 146bhp with the TCS mod installed. Night and day difference

A 2012 up! is my first car, I bought it at the end of 2021 without any equipment whatsoever, but the hail damage was inclusive. Not exactly a glamorous car for a soon-to-be 30 year old. But it does the job.

Congrats on the 250k James, well earned 👊

They did not make those for long. 2 years roughly speaking. The one to get is one registered in March 2017 as you get the cheaper car tax but those are extremely rare (they only came out in March 2017)

The e-up , only sold in Yorkshire...

Excellent excellent review Jay. You come across as a professional!

Nice video, the Up is a great car, love the flapping wings when you do your intro, I have now subscribed👍

I have a Citigo 75PS and that is just as fun with looks that are arguably better than the UP! Just wish it got a 90PS version

I’m 6’2 & big! I found the seating a bit cramped & my foot on the clutch just was not positioned correctly. I’ve bought a VW Polo Beats 95PS & a great sound system! This is faster & fits me! Cheaper to run too!

I'd say the i10 n-line is also worth checking out.

Thanks J, & good that you mentioned the alternatives. 🙏🙏

Have to admit, I tried an UP! and hated it. I didn't get on with it at all and have no idea what the hype was about... This is why we all have different preferences!

I have one with the same engine, colourline, Beats soundsystem, panoramic sunroof etc. Very frugal and has more space than you would think. Very fun to drive and I do like mine a lot.

Wish the UP ⬆️ was available in the states. It’s what we need, instead of being “told” we need EV’s. Great video, thanks. RickGTI….. 🇺🇸

Remapped they are great. Low grip suggests bad tyres to me.

I have a Citigo. Great car. Only 24 were ever imported new to new Zealand

Get one mapped… pretty much same power as my old Golf GTI 16v mk2 👍

I’ve had 2x 75hp Ups. And lots of old Alfas. IMO the Up engine has soul. For me it’s like a modern day Alfasud built with German engineering

Very pretty UP! That. Needs be in a nice village. Parked up for the hour having a coffee on the high street

Jay. Ouch! Having owned an High Up! 74bhp with optional 16inch alloys i absolutely love it! You forgot the heated seats, parking sensors [needed, trust me], priviacy glass in rear... 3 door, a quality finish and that 'icon' appeal. Gets looks from all manner of people, including Golf GTi owners. Parking is a doodle. Add i use on a daily commute of around 80 miles and return on aveage over 50 mpg. Yes the rear drums are a nightmare not least in cold weather and handling on 16 inch GTi lookalike alloys not razor sharp. That said has covered 90k miles without a single issue and with regular servicing has been fantastic! However, way better than you give credit for. So much so i am about to purchased another pre-owned one in 3 door with the 90 bhp [yes the hidden gem] in exactly same spec as my current one. Neighbours wont even know i've changed car! Oh and you are missing that VW 'Up!' magic! Would i have a GTi given the chance? Oh course i would! Although i am not exactly ''ancient'' i did own an original Mk 1 Golf GTi and the obvious comparisons are there for all to see. So Jay, try again and discover the magic of an Up! And never mention Kia in the same sentence ever again!

I was been one of these and it’s GTI variant, a 07 Civic Type S and a CRZ, I went with the CRZ because of its looks and rarity and I think I made the right choice, also I’m more of a Honda guy anyway but can’t help but like the Up! Reminds me of a kei car

I used to make this point years ago on up forum.

I had one of these as a courtesy car and I find that it’s “fine” car it drives and stops and put together pretty well but nothing more, not something I’d choose. I did make the mistake of turning into a corner as if I was in my own car and the back slipped out straight away, so I didn’t like that about it.

Crikey. That's Adam Ragusea levels of ad segues, James. Nicely done

Maybe grab some of one your sponsors products (DoDo Juice) and clean that dashboard, my OCD was flairing❗️

I know someone who took one drag racing.. they also fitted a v5 engine

I've recently bought a 60 horsepower Up! and I'm a big fan of the sounds coming from the MPI engine.. It's actually really confusing that they ever bothered to add artificial noise into the GTI purely because you do get plenty of engine noise in the cabin to begin with.

Love your take on cars.

I'm loving the Arnold Rimmer salute!

Thanks for the video ☺️

I'm looking at purchasing a lightly used 2019 VW Up! 90 ps 2 door as my daily commuter car. I'd like to get some black Borbet BS4 16x7 ET 35 with 205 45 16 tyres. Then I'll get the Vogtland sport suspension (springs & struts/shocks), perhaps the APR tune that takes it from 90 ps 160nm to 140 ps and 250nm. My only concern is whether or not the clutch and transmission can take the additional power for the long haul.

I've had had tsi and gti up and standard one enjoyed all 3 and I thought gti was great but expensive I had wider wheels and tyres on mine handled great would happily take a tsi too again because i like modifying cars which seems a waste on gti and agree lupo gti is superior but only if you upgrade suspension I'm currently on my sixth lupo had gti 21yrs ago too and it was expensive then got my current one for 2000 so it's been a bargain

Hey, a great review. I drive a simmilar specced high-up tsi with a sunroof that I really appreciate and hate at the same time. The thing is it makes the car all rattly during cold weather. I also had eibach coilovers fitted that I love for the handling improvement and hate for the stiff and shaky ride, so much so I'm probably going to switch back to stock suspention. The engine is great and on a nice road I can have quite some fun, yet the fuel consumption aleays stays very acceptable. It's a fine car, however I don't think I'd buy it again. Probably my expectations were to high up (pun intended)

Volkswagen needs to bring these to the USA. What are they waiting for? Screw electric vehicles, we want the VW Up 3-cylinder.

"It might be a small car"... Hmmm 🤔, it has a roof width bigger than s Golf Mk5, and they had no choice but to equip it with Multivan-sized VW logos, attempting (succeeded, apparently 🤫) to optically disguise its sheer volume. This car has taught us that, being economical in length, does not automatically translate to small.

Congrats on the quarter of a millions subs

Congratulations getting to 250,000 🚗🚙🚘⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍

Hi James have you driven the 'newest' Smart Forfour (120hp Brabus version)? I think that could be a nice GTI contender.

And do try the Polo Blue GT for fun and economy with the DSG gearbox.

Not headphone socket but line in socket. Headphone sockets are line outs.

I have 2 dumb cars and a fabia 90ps. Fabia at 70mph is 2.5k on the motorway even with the 5 speed. I'm 6 foot 1 and with an additional arm rest it's pretty much the perfect daily. Big enough for me, enough poke to overtake thanks to the turbo engine. Quiet enough I don't wake up the neighbours. I think the price of the fabia making it Up comparable is perfect for 90% of the time and cheap running costs. What more do you want???

Well done on a quarter of a million subscribers!

I love the Up! I'd love to buy one but they're hard to get in New Zealand :\

It delivers what the NA versions are missing a bit more in gear shove.

I'll take the Kia Piccanto thanks James! 😁

Never understood why skoda didn't rebarge the up gti as a VRS or seat do a cupra. Easy way of making a few bucks I'd have thought.

90ps version no longer on sale. Either 65ps or 115ps GTi which has 6 speed gearbox. It's a city car that has been warmed over. I find it ideal for the cut and thrust of city driving and parking.

Very enjoyable as usual 👍

So I’ve been insured on my mum’s Up! for a couple of years now and put a good few miles on it using it here and there. I’ve never been so puzzled by a car in my life! it’s a 5 door and it comfortably seats 4 adults, despite what the exterior view may suggest. the steering, I’ve found, is very responsive but as you said, struggles with grip and you always feel on the verge of pushing it further than it’s capable of. I’ve never experienced a car so boat like yet so terrible over speed bumps, perhaps it’s because of the minuscule front end? However it is a great town car! parking is never an issue and visibility is very good in all the right places. It’s not a car I’d ever want to own, however it is excellent at doing what it’s designed for!

The only problems with the up are the ludicrous price and skimpy equipment lists, ie typical vw products.

Have a look on the Tube for Tailord V5 powered beast Up......

6.56 did Jay Emm just do the Rimmer salute from Red Dwarf?

The up gti is fun

The Up! really is an amazing car

254k. Well done you, probably 'cus you do the job properly. Always look forward to a notification that a new vid is up and running. TV? What's that with all you motor nuts to watch on here now?

You're sooo wrong about the GTi and the 'peril in the corners'. It's purely down to the absolutely terrible GY Ecoefficiency tyres fitted from the factory (they must be some of the worst tyres ever fitted to a modern car). Swap them out for a set of PS4s and it's a different case altogether and also improves the ride a little.

you sure shippers?? cars seem to be on sale since 2008 and the only changes are the radios connect to your phone, engines have got smaller and parts a lot more expensive

Went through the whole “small car with fun” scenario 2 years ago. Narrowed it down to UP and Picanto. Up gti, overpriced new and used, poor warranty, low equipment, high up hard to find pretty low equipment levels. Picanto higher equipment levels way better warranty. Vw build quality seems a little better but their warranty says otherwise. Bought the Picanto gtline s, all the whistles and bells it’s a ‘19 had it two years now and no regrets.

I would let you drive my celerio but it a bit beat up

I like a small, warm hatch.

Sick intro send ✌️

Nop. The e-UP is the best version of the car out there.

why would anyone choose this over the twingo gt which is a drift monster?

Problem with the Up GTI is even cheapest used start from £10k, for that money you can get a reasonable Polo GTI either the 6r or facelift 6c if you want a manual mini GTI.

So it’s like a “Jitterbug” in car form 😋