Month: April 2018

No name is more synonymous with off-roading than Land Rover. Since 1948, every vehicle the brand has produced has had one thing at its heart – the ability to go where few vehicles dare to tread.

To mark 70 years of building the world’s best off-roaders, Land Rover invited us to join a grand convoy of cars past and present to take a tour from its Solihull headquarters to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic facility, where they “restore vehicles with a glorious past, so that they can enjoy a glorious future”.

Here are just some of the cars from that convoy…

1948 Land Rover HUE 166 ‘Huey’

‘Huey’, as he’s affectionately known, is the world’s oldest production Land Rover, rolling out of the factory on March 11, 1948. We can therefore credit him as the father of the whole brand. Huey is still as capable off-road as he was 70 years ago, and the team at Land Rover Classic keeps him in fine fettle.

1954 Series I Royal Review

After the limited initial run of cars, Land Rover named them in ‘Series’ form. This Royal platform is based on a Series I, and offered a way for royalty to see and be seen in equal measure. The royal family are of course massive Land Rover fans, and the brand holds a Royal Warrant.

Land Rover Forward Control IIb

Demand for an even more utilitarian Land Rover grew during the 1950s, and eventually the Forward Control was conceived. With the cab positioned over the driving wheels, it was much taller and could carry far larger and heavier loads.

1969 Velar prototype

At the same time as Land Rover’s popularity increased, so did the quality of Britain’s roads, and the brand conceived a vehicle that would perform as well as the standard Land Rover in the rough stuff, but offer the comfort of a luxury saloon back on tarmac. This Velar prototype was the result, and it soon became the iconic Range Rover.

1989 Land Rover Discovery

As the Range Rover moved further upmarket and the Land Rover (now named Defender) remained the agricultural workhorse, a gap emerged for a family SUV – which was promptly filled by the seven-seat Discovery.

1989 Camel Trophy Discovery

To prove that the Discovery wasn’t just a family bus, it took part in the gruelling Camel Trophy championship – modified with snorkels, winches and rollcages and painted in a distinctive ‘sandglow’ colour scheme.

1998 Freelander ‘Fifty 50 Challenge’

By the early 1990s, a new market segment had emerged – the compact SUV, and the Freelander was the brand’s entrant. It used a monocoque frame, unlike all previous Land Rovers. This particular example commemorated the brand’s 50th birthday and took a grand tour of the world, visiting 50 countries in 50 days.

2000 Tomb Raider Defender

When it came to kitting out Lara Croft for the 2000 Tomb Raider movie, only a Land Rover Defender would do – kitted out with 3.5-litre V8 engines, high-mounted spotlights and everything that a hardcore archaeologist could want.

Land Rover Defender “Hue 2016”

Celebrating (or commiserating) the end of Defender production after over 60 years was always going to be an emotional time, and Land Rover chose to do it with this ‘Heritage’ edition – inspired by the original ‘Huey’.

2018 Land Rover Defender Works V8

As a last hurrah for the iconic off-roader, Land Rover Classic created these incredible machines. Fitted with a Jaguar-sourced V8 engine, it’s good for 400bhp and has been fettled to deal with the extra performance. They’re built on late-model Defenders, significantly upgraded inside and out. The run of 150 models sold out in 37 minutes.

The convoy

Our convoy was just one of many taking place across the world – but with the might of Land Rover’s collection, and the generosity of the Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, ours was probably the most historically interesting.

The journey took in winding country routes between Land Rover’s facility in Solihull and Land Rover Classic in Coventry.

We drove this incredible Discovery 3, built for the G4 challenge – though it never took part. Our convoy was led by a military Land Rover Lightweight, followed by a Series I Range Rover, a bare-metal Defender (left unpainted to show off its aluminium construction) a luxurious Holland & Holland Range Rover, our Discovery, and bought up at the rear by a modern Discovery 5.

We met up with the European press group about a mile from Land Rover Classic, and joined together for a grand convoy – in age order – to finish the day.

Ford has filed a patent for a vehicle which features an electric motorcycle integrated into it.

Referred to as a ‘multimodal transportation apparatus’ in the application to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the vehicle sees an electrically-powered motorcycle located between the driver and passenger seats.

According to the application, the ‘centre console serves to support at least one body part of a rider of the motorcycle’. In other terms, the main dashboard section of the car doubles as a handlebar for the motorcycle.

The motorcycle can then be released from the main vehicle, allowing the rider to drive away.

Ford cites that it has developed this technology to combat inner-city traffic. Drivers of these multimodal vehicles can use the car to cover the bulk of their journey, then ride the attached motorcycle when traffic becomes heavy, leaving them to cover ground in less time as a result of being able to ride through congestion.

The application also shows that the motorcycle would be accessed by lifting up the car’s bonnet and releasing the vehicle. Returning it to that position would be aided by ‘guide elements’ situated inside the car.

We’re transforming our North American lineup by 2020, going all-in on hybrids, adding more SUVs and even more standard cutting-edge tech. Learn more about what’s ahead: https://t.co/z9qOri2CZ3

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) March 15, 2018

The American manufacturer also states that this system could be achieved by fitting the main vehicle with an engine located at the rear of the car, therefore freeing up space at the front.

One idea proposed was that the electric motor fitted to the motorcycle could be used to power the entire vehicle ‘in one operating state’. For instance, in the same way that a hybrid vehicle can run on sole electric power for a set amount of miles, so this car could use the motorcycle’s powertrain to do the same.

Of course, there is no disclosed date as to when this technology could arrive on our roads – but it gives an insight into the potential future of transportation.

Manufacturers love making special editions. Whether it’s to stir up a little bit of buzz around a single car, or simply stand out from the crowd, these weird and wonderful creations showcase what car makers can do when they let their imaginations run wild.

Here, we’ve picked out eight of the wackiest special-editions to ever have been created.

Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner Fly Fishing

The Bentley Bentayga is a decent combination of luxurious craftsmanship and go-anywhere all-wheel-drive capability. However, what if you want to take your Bentayga fly fishing, and want specific storage for rods, reels and flies?

That’s where the Fly Fishing by Mulliner edition Bentyga comes in. Fitted with bespoke rod tubes trimmed in saddle leather and a central storage station, as well as a waterproof wader stowage trunk, it’s a great option for those who want to spend time at the river, but be able to head home in the very highest luxury.

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the best-selling cars of all time, and appears across the globe in a variety of different colours, specifications and bodystyles. The Harlequin, however, was something slightly out of the ordinary.

Created in 1996, the Golf Harlequin was produced for just one year. Just 264 of these colourful cars were produced, and were made as a result of the immense popularity of the smaller Polo Harlequin.

Ssangyong Korando Sports DMZ

The ‘regular’ Korando Sports proved to be somewhat of a success for South Korean-based SsangYong. The pick-up was impressive off-road, and came with a generous amount of standard equipment too.

However, the DMZ edition possessed something particularly special – camouflage paint. It either stood out from or blended into the crowd – whichever you prefer – and gave the Korando Sports a beefy, military edge. It was cleverly named, too.

Bentley Bentayga Falconry

Yes, it’s another Bentayga – but we couldn’t ignore this special edition either. Catering for what can only be a very niche pastime, the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner features a removable ‘transportation perch’, and features a variety of trim pieces crafted from cork.

A veneer inlaid with a falcon graphic features on the car’s passenger-side trim piece, and is made up of 430 separate pieces which are painstakingly placed together by hand.

Skoda Felicia Fun

You won’t miss a Skoda Felcia Fun in a hurry. A bright yellow exterior was matched by an equally jazzy interior, with yellow accents used on the steering wheel, gearstick and even the main dials.

However, the Felicia Fun had a trick up its sleeve – the rear bulkhead could be extended to reveal two rear seats with a convertible section above, meaning four people could come along for the ride.

Rolls-Royce Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’

Rolls-Royce is certainly one for creating staggeringly impressive – and staggeringly expensive – special editions. This, the Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’, was limited to just 55 examples and uses a specially-developed ‘Sunburst Grey’ exterior paint.

Inside, the main dashboard is fitted with 176 individual LEDs, designed to resemble ‘the trailing light of a shooting star’. Which is nice, if you want stars on your dash.

DS3 Black Lezard

The DS3 is a car built on the ability to customise each and every aspect, and the Black Lezard edition is a more luxurious take on that. For instance, the Lezard design – created to mimic the look of lizard skin – is hand applied to each and every car, taking two hours per vehicle.

The interior of the car is finished in high-quality leather, and gloss black trim is used to help lift the overall look of the cabin.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham

Back in 2012, Range Rover revealed a special edition version of its Evoque SUV made in partnership with Victoria Beckham. The exterior is hand-finished in matte grey paint, while the alloy wheels feature gloss black paint and rose gold detailing.

Inside, the four seats are finished in high-quality leather with contrasting white ‘baseball’ stitching. Prices at the time were almost impressively high, with the special edition coming in at a weighty £79,995.

Breakdowns are not only massively annoying, but they can also be quite dangerous if you stop in the wrong place.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to ensuring you make yourself completely safe in the event of a breakdown, on both motorways and ordinary roads.

1. Be careful

If your car doesn’t feel quite right or you sense trouble, it is always best to slow down and stop. Sometimes being precautionary means you won’t get yourself into more trouble.

2. Move off the road

Roads are dangerous places so ideally get your car off them, as far left as possible. The AA warns drivers to look out for soft verges on country roads, but if you are on the motorway stop on the hard shoulder – or an emergency refuge area if you are on a smart motorway.

3. Light it up

Hazard lights are definitely appropriate – you are a hazard after all. If weather conditions are dark or there’s limited visibility, you will need to use your lights, or fog lights too.

4. Wheels away

Particularly if you are on a motorway, when stationary, turn the wheels away from the motorway. Green Flag says this is the best option because, if you are shunted, the car will roll away from the motorway, and not into the live carriageway.

5. Get away from the traffic

Depending on which road you stop by, the traffic could be going in excess of 70mph – so get away from it. Get out of the side of the car away from traffic and move yourself safely away from the vehicle. If you’re on a motorway, stand behind the safety barrier.

6. Make yourself bright

If you have any brightly coloured clothing or high-vis jackets in the car, wear them. This is more important if you have broken down in dark or limited visibility conditions.

7. Be sensible with your warning triangle

If you’ve stopped on a normal road, place a warning triangle at least 50 yards from the car, but be sensible – don’t put yourself in danger to do it. If you are on a motorway, don’t use one, get away from the motorway as soon as possible.

8. Emergency telephone

If you are stopped on a motorway, there’s a good chance you won’t be far away from an emergency telephone. If it’s safe to do so, find one. These are free to use and get you straight through to the Highways Agency or the police, giving your exact location.

9. Ring for help

If you are not in a dangerous place, but aren’t prepared to fix your car, it is always best to try and ring a breakdown service, particularly if you are registered with one. Never attempt to fix your car on a motorway.

10. The waiting game

While in a safe place, and if help is on its way, always stand nearby your car to wait.

11. Awareness is key

Even if you feel like you are in a safe place, you may not always be. Many drivers out there are distracted, so be aware of oncoming traffic, says the RAC.

12. Keep calm and carry on

It sounds a bit cheesy, but these situations can be stressful. Erratic actions aren’t going to solve the situation, so you may as well keep calm until help arrives.

Japanese company Asratec has unveiled a working prototype of something many small children have been waiting their whole life for – a real Transformer.

The robot, named the J-deite RIDE, is a four-metre high behemoth capable of folding itself down into a fully-functioning car.

In bipedal “humanoid mode”, J-deite RIDE can walk – albeit slowly – at speeds of up to 100 metres per hour.

At the flick of a switch, the ‘robot control system’ performs the transformation, and it folds down in seconds into an electric car. In this form, it’s capable of speeds of up to 40mph courtesy of a lithium-ion battery pack.

Asratec will show the Transformer off at the wackily-titled DokiDoki Japanese Festival in Manchester, as well as the trade show IAAPA Attractions Expo in Florida in November.

【现实版变形金刚 日本展出新款变形机器人】当地时间4月25日，一款变形机器人“J-deite RIDE”在东京附近的一个工厂揭幕，在仪式上，这个现实版的变形金刚也展示了如何从机器人变身为跑车的过程。变形机器人能在跑车状态下以时速60公里奔驰，还能在10秒内变成步行速度30km/h的机器人。 pic.twitter.com/hj7FaG2ogv

— 中国新闻社 (@CNS1952) April 26, 2018

Creator Kunio Okawara says he intends to sell the car to amusement parks, where he hopes it will inspire a whole array of robotic rides and attractions. The company suggests transforming go-karts or transforming demonstrations at parades.

For now, J-deite RIDE is a concept, but the firm is on the hunt for companies looking to get their name on the side of real-life Transformers.

A teacher’s dash cam captured her drink-driving and crashing into a parked car.

The footage shows 41-year-old Louise Willard swerving along the A27 in East Sussex at 70mph and mounting the grass verge while crossing a busy roundabout.

She then narrowly misses passing cars, trees, hedges and roadworks while travelling at up to 50mph on the A259 and country lanes before crashing into an Audi A4 in Bexhill. She initially reversed and drove off before stopping nearby.

Police were called at around 5.30pm on April 4 by two members of the public who were worried about the actions of the driver of the white Vauxhall Corsa.

Willard, of Bexhill, failed a roadside breathalyser test after being found with 94mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system – nearly three times the 35mcg legal limit.

She was charged with drink-driving and failing to stop after a crash and pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Willard was disqualified from driving for 24 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and has to pay £170 in costs and victim surcharge.

Pc Nathan Langley, of the Sussex Police Polegate Roads Policing Unit, said the “shocking” footage was released to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He added: “The scary thing is this isn’t a particularly unusual or extraordinary example of drink-driving; the driver has displayed a number of characteristics which you would typically expect. What you wouldn’t expect, of course, is for someone in such a state to get behind the wheel of their car.”

A reckless driver of a car transporter has taken the roof off a brand-new Range Rover in transit, while damaging another.

Images posted online by Greater Manchester Police’s traffic feed shows the aftermath of the incident on the M61 near to Farnworth and Walkden that took place on Wednesday morning, which transformed a Range Rover Velar into the models first convertible version.

One from yesterday – #M61 Motorway, car transporter driver fails to lower top deck and collides with bridge resulting in turning this Range Rover into a none factory build convertible! Driver reported for due care. @NWmwaypolice pic.twitter.com/SqSj0ctfmw

— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) April 26, 2018

Along with the roofless SUV, another Range Rover model was also damaged and a Green Flag recovery vehicle appears to have been a helpless victim of falling debris from the transporter.

An accompanying tweet for the images from GMP’s traffic feed said: “One from yesterday – #M61 Motorway, car transporter driver fails to lower top deck and collides with bridge resulting in turning this Range Rover into a none factory build convertible! Driver reported for due care.”

It’s not clear where the Range Rover vehicles were heading, although the visible delivery packaging on the exposed interior of the Velar suggests they were customer-bound. A man as has been issued with a ticket for driving without due care and attention following the incident.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called at 9.55am on Wednesday 25 April 2018 to reports of a collision at junction 4 of the M61 southbound, near to Farnworth and Walkden.

“A transporter collided with a bridge and in turn caused damage to the vehicle behind. A man has been issued with a ticket for driving without due care and attention.”

Be it music, movies or motoring, there’s an inevitable overlap between consumer products.

There are only so many chords, only so many types of story to tell, and perhaps, a particularly finite number of shapes you can place atop four wheels and an engine.

With this reality in mind, it’s not surprising that some cars bear a resemblance to their predecessors. This list is dedicated to the cars that, intentionally or otherwise, bear a resemblance to other models.

Porsche 924 – Mazda RX-7

The 924 has one of the more tainted reputations in the pantheon of Porsche history. It’s front-engined, and the power plant first fitted was a 2.0-litre sourced from Volkswagen, producing just 110bhp.

None of this stopped the designers at Mazda seemingly utilising a picture of the 924 and some tracing paper when designing the first RX-7.

Indeed, the first-gen RX-7 was in much the same ballpark when it came to power, with the advantage of a spectacular rotary engine soundtrack over the drone of the 924’s four-cylinder.

Of course, the RX-7 evolved considerably over its life and became an icon; you wouldn’t begrudge those who designed the relatively unloved 924 for feeling a little cheated.

Mitsubishi i – Tata Nano

Mitsubishi’s ‘i’ kei car was an odd-looking beast – slender, small and quintessentially Japanese, it was a car that was always going to struggle to find purpose in foreign markets.

While the car was sold in many countries, perhaps it missed a trick in not marketing to India, as Tata clearly saw an opportunity at hand.

In swept the Nano, with similar proportions and a similar concept, right down to the engine sitting in the rear of the car. The Nano was marketed in something of a different manner, being an unquestionably budget option; unfortunately, it still went over-budget, as Tata was making a loss on every car sold.

Mini – Nissan Micra

The second-generation Micra was a simple, honest car, with unobjectionable styling and a compact, lightweight frame. It also held a fairly obvious inspiration – the original Mini.

The little Micra is obviously a newer shape, having been revealed some 32 years after the original Mini, but the cues are certainly there.

However, the Micra would soon be copied itself…

Nissan Micra – Perodua Kelisa

If the Micra was inspired by the Mini, the Kelisa is simply a smudged photocopy of the Micra.

From the near-cloned rear-end, to the twin-entry styling on the grille, the Kelisa is impressively dedicated to simply being a second-generation Micra.

The Kelisa also shares some visual lineage with the Mini, and former Top Gear star James May even likened it to the iconic British car during a roadtest.

Ultimately, the Kelisa did well for Perodua, helping the company – which was less than a decade old when the car was launched in 2001 – become the largest car brand in its home nation of Malaysia.

Aston Martin DB9 – Jaguar XK

Here are two British, front-engined sports cars which were both designed by Ian Callum at a time when the same company owned both marques. If we’re being honest, this one is as forgivable as it is obvious.

But indeed, the DB9 and the XK do in fact look rather alike, despite one housing a 12-cylinder engine, and the other settling for just 8.

The two brands have since become more separate in their style, as neither are owned by Ford any longer, but for a little while, the common ground between Jaguar and Aston Martin’s sports car offerings was rather noticeable.

 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona – Rover SD1

Yes, this one is a little bit of a stretch, but the resemblance is there at the front end of Rover’s SD1.

And, as it turns out, this is by design rather than happy accident, as creator David Beche acknowledged the Ferrari Daytona as an inspiration for his model.

From every other angle, it’s simply not true, ‘but just pay attention to the front’, as we’re sure some Rover owners felt compelled to say.

Morgan Aero 8 – Wiesmann

Wiesmann’s range was inspired by British cars, and the German firm made no secret of that – the plan was to take classic British styling and match it with modern German performance, aided by BMW engines.

If we had to nail down a car that it most resembles, it would be the Morgan Aero 8. There is plenty of Jaguar C-Type there too, but its modernised retro feel brings it closer to the Aero 8 in our eyes.

Fiat 500 – Nissan Micra

Trying to claim that the current day Fiat 500 copied any other car, given its namesake and inspiration from several decades prior is slightly tenuous.

However, there is something to be said for those who claim that the rear-end of the 500 shares a lot with the third-generation Nissan Micra.

While there’s a more pronounced curve on the Micra, the headlights and general positioning of all the key features on the 500 is certainly similar.

Suzuki Swift – Jaguar E-Pace

 

This last one is almost certainly accidental, but the Jaguar E-Pace and the Suzuki Swift are – from the right angle – not too dissimilar. The grille of the Swift is rather similar to Jaguar’s current signature front-end jewellery, and both the side vents and the headlight shape only add to the similarities.

It’s a stretch, yes, but we’re not the first to notice, and we’re sure Suzuki won’t mind the comparison too much!

Although buying a new car can be an exciting time, it can also be stressful. There’s a lot to consider: what make and model to choose, what engine type do I want, which option boxes should I tick and – perhaps most crucially – how will I pay for it?

In an ideal world, we’d all save up enough money to pay one lump sum for a new set of wheels but for most that’s simply not an option, leaving many pondering the question of applying for a personal loan or opting for finance when purchasing their new vehicle. We take a look at both to help you choose how to pay for your next car.

Bank loans

What’s good about a bank loan?

When taking out a bank loan, you borrow a set amount of money agreed that is paid back over a period of time agreed with your creditor. As a loan is not secured against your vehicle, the car is yours from the moment you pick it up.

Unlike car finance, you also don’t need to place an initial deposit to borrow the money – which could land you in a new car sooner than saving for an initial finance payment would. Also, bank loans do not limit your annual mileage in a vehicle, like many finance options do.

Opting for a bank loan also gives you the freedom to shop around to find the best interest rates. Remember, you’re not just limited to the bank you hold an account with when seeking a loan.

Is there a catch?

As with anything, bank loans are not all plain-sailing. They’re generally a lot harder to successfully apply for than car finance, as creditors are more likely to refuse you if your credit rating is poor.

Loan interest rates are also often higher and can increase after your initial application.

Car finance

What are the advantages of car finance?

Financing a car can be an easier process than using a bank loan to purchase a car, as its usually agreed through a dealership when buying a vehicle. Financing also usually brings lower interest rates and you’re more likely to be approved if you have a poor credit rating than you would a bank loan.

There are two main types of finance available – hire purchase (HP) and personal contract purchase (PCP).

What’s the difference between HP and PCP?

HP is pretty easy to understand. The list price of a car is broken down into a deposit and a number of monthly payments – the number of which is agreed with your creditor. Interest is added, so you ultimately pay a little more than if you were to pay in full, but the car is yours to keep once the full balance is covered. Hire purchase is also available on used cars.

PCP can be a little more complicated, as it’s usually split in three phases. There’s usually an initial deposit that can be agreed with the dealership, although from time-to-time you may find a nil-deposit offer. Then, there’s the monthly deposits – the time of which varies, although most contracts are over a three-year period.

Finally, at the end of your monthly payments, you have a choice of three options. First, you can hand the keys back to the dealer with no extra fees – meaning the car is no longer yours. If you wish to keep the car, you can pay a settlement fee and the vehicle then belongs to you or, if you wish to upgrade, you can trade the vehicle in towards a new one with any value left over the settlement fee knocked off the price.

What’s not-so-good about finance?

While finance may sound like an easy option, it’s worth remembering you don’t own the car until all payments have been made on finance. If you struggle to keep up with payments, the finance company will have the right to repossess the vehicle.

There could also be mileage limitations and other stipulations applied to the car, as finance companies will want as little depreciation as possible in case you decide to return the vehicle.

Bank loan or car finance: what’s best for me?

Both car finance and bank loans should be considered and researched to your individual needs to work out exactly what is best for you, but some general rules do apply.

If you’re in a good credit standing, and can comfortably afford to pay it off, a bank loan could be your best bet as you own the car from day one and will have no limitations on vehicle usage. It can also work best for those who change cars often, particularly used, as the vehicle is not tied up in a contract.

For those with poorer credit standing, and particularly younger drivers who have little history, car finance may work best. It may mean the car isn’t yours until the end of the payment period, but it offers more flexibility and, in the case of PCP, upgrading to a new car is simple if you wish to do so at the end of the term.

Regardless of which you decided to choose, always research your options extensively and ensure you know the ins-and-outs of any payment contracts before you sign the dotted line.

This is VW’s current GTI family in its entirety and we were lucky enough to sample all three cars both on road and on track around Spain’s Ascari circuit. Though the GTI line-up isn’t intended to be a series of hardcore track monsters, all three coped remarkably well with the high-speed work on a shortened version of the famous Ascari track.

What are they?

Consisting of the Mk7.5 Golf, Mk6 Polo and Mk1 Up!, they’ve all been breathed on by the brand’s GTI division and gifted more power, stiffer chassis, glitzy makeovers and iconic design touches such as tartan seats and the GTI’s signature red pinstripe. With power figures ranging from 113bhp for the tiny Up! GTI to 242bhp for the Golf GTI with Performance Pack, there’s certainly a wide spread of ability here. But all share the same end goal – to be fun pocket rockets, built with VW quality and tame enough to be more than usable day-to-day.

What’s new?

The Polo and Golf GTI ranges have been around for a while, so it’s the Up! that’s the newcomer here. VW claims its effervescent character channels that of the original Golf GTI, and being similar in size, power and weight, the comparison isn’t as mad as you might think.
The Polo is a relatively new too. It’s based on the Mk6 Polo and is lower and wider than its predecessor. As in all of the three cars, there’s been a full GTI makeover – tartan seats, red pinstriping, unique alloy wheels and, in the case of the Polo and Golf, resculpted exterior fixtures all feature.

What’s under the bonnet?

On track in all three of these later. pic.twitter.com/Hx10t5zOGo

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) April 19, 2018

The Up! GTI is the baby of the trio. It packs a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 113bhp for a 0-60mph sprint of 8.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 122mph. It’s a wonderfully fizzy engine – keen to rev, more than powerful enough for the tiny body and it sounds ridiculous thanks to a portal which amplifies the engine noise into the interior. The Up! GTI doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s very appealing.

The Polo is a rather more grown-up proposition. It packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 197bhp – it’s the same unit as the one in the Golf, but detuned slightly. The Polo’s still capable of a sub-seven-second 0-60mph sprint. Currently only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (a six-speed manual is coming later in the year), what it lacks in character it makes up for in performance. This is a genuinely rapid car, even if excellent refinement means it doesn’t always feel it.

Finally, the Golf. We know this car well – this Mk7.5 model is barely an update over the previous Mk7, and features a virtually identical powertrain to the outgoing model. We drove the full-fat Performance Pack model with 242bhp, in both six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG forms. Both are excellent.

What is the Up! like to drive?

The Up! GTI doing some rather milder off-roading than I subjected it to on track. pic.twitter.com/gUtf8yWAzG

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) April 20, 2018

Even the baby Up! didn’t feel out of its depth, despite being pushed to its limits (and a little beyond). With a snickety manual gearshift and great response from that dinky engine, it’s great fun to throw around – though for sheer pace, it can’t keep up with its larger siblings.
The Polo seemed as though it wasn’t entirely at home on track. With a comparatively porky 1,355kg kerb weight, it’s a little less willing to be chucked around.

How does the Polo fare?

Head onto a flowing B-road and the Polo’s balance makes for a seriously fast cruiser, though, and ample reserves of grip ensure that the car’s mature character is never in danger of becoming unstuck. For us, though the Polo is less compelling a choice than its siblings. As the prodigal middle child, it should be aiming to be the best of both worlds – in reality, it’s a compromise between the two, without the ability of the Golf or the character of the Up!.

As for the Golf?

First ever (short) drive in an icon today. Shouldn't have waited so long. #golfgti pic.twitter.com/jWlCJhuf4c

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) April 19, 2018

It’s as good as it’s always been. Of course, for track supremacy, you’d be far better off with one of the race-biased Clubsport cars – but the standard GTI is still very quick, beautifully balanced and incredibly mature.
On track, it understandably left the Polo and Up! in its wake – you can thank the extra horsepower for that. On road, the Golf’s best feature is still its real-world pace and usability. Comfortable over all surfaces, refined and relaxing when you take it easy and powerful and punchy when you put your foot down, the Golf wears its four decades of development with pride.

What’s the quality like?

Regardless of which model you sit in, the first impression is one of rock-solid build quality. This is a VW strong point across its entire model range, and compared with the slightly tinny feeling of many a hot hatchback it’s rather reassuring.
The feeling of quality is most exceptional in the Up! – not that it’s the best-built of the trio, but that it’s so remarkably solid for its light weight. It does suffer somewhat due to its city-car origins – there’s no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, for example, and the included phone mount and free VW app are a poor substitute for a full-on infotainment system.

Verdict

There’s no doubt that all three of these cars are true GTIs, despite being very different in character. The Up! GTI has the most to live up to – as the newest member of the family, direct successor to the brilliant Lupo GTI and spiritual successor to the Mk1 Golf, it’s been dealt a tough hand. But the result is utterly brilliant, brimming with character and pep while remaining totally usable every day.

The Polo is immensely fast and capable, but does feel like the weak link here somewhat. The high price tag and disappointing interior are downsides, but the Polo’s real issue is its rivals. The brilliant Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport are both cheaper than the Polo and offer more thrills, if less maturity.

Finally, the Golf. It’s the world’s most iconic hot hatchback, and one that has the most scrutiny on it every time it’s updated. And we’re glad to say it doesn’t disappoint. It may be pricey considering the power on offer, and lack the thrills that some rivals such as the wild Honda Civic Type R or Renaultsport Megane offer. But as a daily driver? There’s not much better, at any price.