If you look up the word predictable< in the illustrated dictionary you will see a picture of the VW marketing department writing the press release for the latest hot city-car with a photo of the original Golf GTI looming large in the background. Over the years the Lupo and Polo GTIs and pretty much every small car VW has produced has been compared to the iconic hot hatch and the latest on the conveyor belt is the GT up!.
For the moment the GT up! is still referred to as a concept but already it is said to "distil the driving pleasure of the seminal hot hatch, the GTI, into a powerful yet petite package."
In fairness the GT up! would appear to have a lot going for it - on paper at least. The wide-mouthed honeycomb grille is said to allow enough airflow for an engine producing up to 100hp while a redesigned front bumper provides airflow to the front brakes. Arch-filling 17-inch alloy wheels at each corner flank extended side sills while a black diffuser at the rear is framed by a pair of chrome exhaust pipes. The interior gets equally sporty treatment with black roof lining and anthracite coloured sports seats.
Now Volkswagen, that's the GTI reference out of the way so less faffing around and hurry up and build the thing...