Volkswagen has given German bengs a little GTI based on the Up supermini.
The pocket rocket prototype has a turbocharged 999cc 3-cylinder with 115bhp of Up-rated power and 200Nm of Up-rated torque, sent to Up-sized 17-inch alloy wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Up GTI is quicker than the Golf GTI – the original one from 1976, that is. The 2017 VW hot hatch takes 8.8 seconds to hit 100km/h from a standstill and goes Up to 197km/h, compared to the 1976 go-faster Golf’s 9 seconds and 182km/h.
The 997kg hatchback looks the part, too – red stripe across the honeycomb radiator grille, another red stripe across the base of the tailgate, red-coloured front disc brake calipers, double black racing stripes above the side sills, a chrome-plated tailpipe and, of course, perfectly positioned “GTI” emblems.
Inside the three-door cabin, the Up-grades include classic plaidfabric seats, a leatherwrapped steering wheel with red stitching, a sporty gearknob and “GTI” insignia.
Volkswagen’s soupedup Up GTI will make its production debut in early 2018.
KONA KICK
Hyundai has sent another talented striker onto the SUV field where the Tucson and Santa Fe have been playing. The Kona, named after a coastal region of Hawaii, is a compact crossover that plays against the Honda HR-V/Vezel, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Juke.
The Kona’s exterior is a Korean explosion of designer details, sharp curves and bold colours, with slick LED lights and a so-called “cascading grille”. The paintwork palette includes suitably funky hues such as Chalk White, Dark Knight, Tangerine Comet, Acid Yellow and Blue Lagoon.
Bringing the Kona to an actual blue lagoon is an initial choice of three engines: a turbo 1-litre 3-cylinder with 120bhp/172Nm and a 6-speed manual gearbox, a turbo 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with 177bhp/265Nm and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a 2-litre 4-cylinder with 149bhp/179Nm and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The cabin is less dramatic than the exterior, but it’s well-designed and well-equipped. board (optional or otherwise) include display, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a Krell eight-speaker premium system, wireless inductive charging compatible smartphones, and a variety of active-safety features.
DECKED OUT FROM (PETROL)HEAD TO TOE
Motoring enthusiasts who feel the need for speed, and the need to dress up for the drive/ride, should check out the latest apparel from these fashion-conscious automotive brands.
Retro petrolheads will appreciate the BMW Motorsport Heritage Collection. Its lambskin leather jacket, T-shirt, sunglasses and bag have a vintage style that winds back the vogue-odometer to the 1970s.
Drivers who like special sneakers can get the ‘Aston Martin x Hogan’ footwear. Their inner James Bond will love the shoe’s urbane leather-nylon combination, artisanal detailing and exquisite Italian craftsmanship.
Just 3000 pairs of this luxury sneaker will be made and they are available in four colours, which should be able to match the interior of your Aston DB11.
