I must admit to a liking for the terrier breed. I like their feisty attitude, their unruly behaviour (sometimes), and the fact that they don’t back down. They make great companions, are invariably loyal, dependable and great to come home to. With some you never know when they’ll nip you or get you into trouble. The analogy between my four-legged pals and the new Lupo GTI could end this article right here, but then I do like to talk, so it won’t.
From my first look at the Lupo, with its cheeky face, xenon headlamps with deep front spoiler, I knew we were going to be pals. Its very distinctive looks as it stood on its smart 205x15" alloys seemed to utter ‘Come play with me…Fetch’ or words to that effect. A brief walk around the back consolidated our relationship as I salivated at the twin slightly upswept exhausts enimating from the centre of the rear bumper. The rear wheels are placed so close to the back of the GTI that if you fitted mud flaps to them it would make it an estate. Based on VW’s introductory model Lupo, this 1.6 litre, 16V, 125bhp version has malicious intent written all over it.
The factory state performance figures of 0 – 60mph in 8.3 seconds with the promise of the nearest German Autobahn near you allowing 127mph to be achieved. As we live in a different world where 5th gear is akin to Alaska, I know where it is but have little chance of visiting, such is the countrywide gridlock, we can merely take the factory’s word.
Sitting into the sports ‘easy entry seats,’ I found the driving position slightly cramped for my 6’2" frame, but no so much that it was uncomfortable. Impeccable build quality requires a solid slam to close each door and once within I found it surprisingly roomy for our 2+2 family. Internally the sports theme is continued with chrome surround on the clocks, chrome foot pedals, leather sports steering wheel and GTI insignia on the gearshift whispering back at you. Neon backlights on the clocks and red L.E.D.’s on the switches add to the aura of the car. This is confirmed as you secure the red seatbelt around you, but I cannot help wondering if the edged in black border is VW’s idea of Freudian humour.
The obvious talent of a car like the Lupo GTI is meant for the urban jungle where its size and power characteristics can exploit the possibilities of forward progress when available. Starting it up I was surprised how civilised the exhaust sounded, no rasping or barking, just slightly louder than normal. The gear change was without fault and with seven thousand revs to play with the car showed no peakiness when driven slowly in third or fourth gear. Here torque talks with 152NM available at a lowly 3,000 rpm, making the living easy. On the other hand select a low gear and the 125 German thoroughbreds will bring the horizon to you at licence melting speed.
Put a couple of bends into the equation and the Lupo will dispose of them with relish. It is always worth remembering that due caution to other road users should be shown when driving a car such as this, as while staying within the speed limits you have the potential to arrive much quicker into other peoples common ground than possibly them or you realise. The ability that is inherent in the car may not be matched by your own or others. It is important not to confuse enjoyment with the elation found through adrenalin.
When driven normally the GTI is not as harsh as I expected and as it will only be available in small numbers you can seek solace in the knowledge that you are driving something rare to these shores.
Living with the Lupo would suit the young, no kid’s brigade, who would like the image, street cred and performance it provides. Having the disposable income to withstand its quite considerable cost will also separate those who have from those who think they have. Within the family environment it would certainly fill the second car roll if the kids were of an age to enter and leave the cramped rear unaided, as the miniscule boot would reject any attempt to place a buggy within. When parked it has the ability to draw admiring glances from passers by, its terrier cuddliness disarming all bar the totally desensitised. Questions will be asked as to how, why, where, what court? (Joke). Strangers will want to know if it has a name. You may have to join a club with it. The Lupo GTI is a special car with great appeal. Whether you can live with its cheeky nature depends on your outlook in life. Personally I think everyone should own a terrier once in their lives.
July 2001
by Tony Toner