Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen up! GTI (2017-2023) - MPG, CO2 and running costs

A low price and strong resale values make the up! GTI a purchase for your head and your heart

MPG, CO2 and running costs rating

4.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Huge fun to drive
  • Low running costs
  • Interior quality
Cons
  • ESP can’t be turned off
  • Steering lacks feel
  • Standard up! is nearly as much fun
Find your Volkswagen up
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2017-2023 Volkswagen up! GTI. If you are interested in information about a used Volkswagen up!, or news about the latest Volkswagen models, please follow the links provided.

A three-door up! GTI costs around £15,700, but there’s a £400 premium if you fancy the more practical five-door version. This makes the GTI around £2,000 more expensive than the R-Line model and £4,000 dearer than the basic version.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Aside from the electric e-up!, the up! GTI is actually the most efficient up! you can buy. Turbocharging helps the 1.0-litre engine to deliver an impressive 53.3mpg on a combined cycle, which is around 3mpg more than the non-turbocharged version.

You’ll be having too much fun to achieve such great fuel economy in the real world, but CO2 emissions of 110g/km provide a first-year tax rate of £155, dropping to £150 in the second and subsequent years.

Insurance groups 

Most versions of the Volkswagen up! slot into insurance groups 2 and 3, which makes them incredibly cheap to insure. But a group 17 rating makes the up! GTI will be more expensive, which could rule it out for young drivers.

Depreciation 

The VW up! GTI remains in high demand, so used values are very strong. It’s expected to retain 46% of its value over three years, while the Suzuki Swift Sport can only manage 41%.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £1,209 off RRP*Used from £12,995
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,606
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025