HOME
RESEARCH A CAR
- NEWS & FEATURES
YOUR 4CAR
PLAY & WIN
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
|
| Road Test: Volkswagen Lupo GTI (2001-2005) |
|
| Hot Hatchbacks |
|
|
VW Lupo GTi
by Andrew Hall 28.07.03
I have had my Lupo GTi 18 months and covered nearly 19000 miles now, and at the moment everything seems to be working OK. I had many miles of torment with the gearbox occasionally refusing to select 5th or 6th, whether when stationary or moving - many unsuccessful trips to the dealer later, it eventually "wore itself in". 7500 miles is a very long time for this to be causing a problem. There were also many faults with the electric windows, alarm/central locking. I have had 5 new high-level LED brakelights and a new spoiler on the car due to bubbling paint. Not to mention the fuel flow sensor in the exhaust failing a few days before the first service, and amazingly the dealer was unable to fix the problem for 2 weeks, as the parts were not available! Even though I have had all these problems and a very unwilling dealer, I still love this car. It inspires large amounts of confidence and I have never reached a point in any situation where I feel intimidated by other larger vehicles. When everything on the car is working as it should, the car is very fulfilling to own. The only other downside of driving this car is the cost of tyres - around £110 each as only Dunlop makes the required size. The car itself eats up any road and really does live up to its real predecessor, the Mk 1 Golf GTi.
|
 |
Introduction Hot hatches are a diluted currency, as is the GTI badge. In the heyday... |
|
|
