Volkswagen releases details on the new Up! GTI

Volkswagen is going back to its roots and harking to the classic car that truly made its name, but in a different shape altogether.

The new Up! GTI is reminiscent of the original Golf GTI from 1976 in many ways, including size, power and performance – and is the latest hot supermini on the market.

Under the compact bonnet is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 113bhp and 200Nm, and the cars weighs a smidge under a tonne at 999kg. That is paired to a six-speed manual transmission, with all the power going through the front wheels.

Although it is slightly heavier than the original GTI – which weighed in at a wafer-thin 810kg – the additional power of the up! helps the performance stay about the same so it can capture the original GTI's essence.

The 0-60mph time for the Up! is just under nine seconds – the same as the Golf – and the top speed is 122mph – marginally faster than the 1976 model.

But rather than leave the up! in the past with everything, the GTI comes with plenty of modern kit, such as air conditioning, six-speaker sound system, a USB interface for smartphones, heated front seats, a VW composition radio and electric front windows. The iconic red-chequered upholstery is present along with a lot of red detailing and GTI designation – just in case you forget you're driving the pocket rocket.

It sits 15mm closer to the road than the standard Up!, too, helping it stick to the tarmac in the corners.

Exterior features include GTI-specific decals, 17-inch alloys, black trim strips on the side skirts and GTI badges. You also get fog lights and cornering lights.

Available in both three- and five-door guises, the Up! GTI starts from £13,750 and goes on sale February 6, 2018. Deliveries will begin at the end of next month.