Volkswagen Lupo

   The Volkswagen Lupo was produced since 1998.

   It has a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. The lightweight nature of the car with a 1.2 TDI L3 diesel consumes as little as 3l/100km in the combined cycle. The strongest is the GTi 1.6-liter developing 125 hp, which next to many hot hatches is relatively tame. In a car so small, though, with what seems to be so little between you and the outside world when you're pressing on, it feels a lot quicker. And for everyday use the engine's impressive flexibility takes the strain out of driving.

   The Lupo GTi arguably gives drivers more fun than any other current Volkswagen. More power, lightened body components, a wider track and stiffer suspension settings than other Lupos conspire to make it sharper, more grippy and more spirited, although the town ride suffers.

   Despite its diminutive size, the Lupo is no buzz-box. Road and wind noise are mostly shut out and the smooth engine is quiet unless the accelerator is hard against the carpet. It's an appropriately sporting big-bore baritone note, though, and once you settle back to steady speed all external noise sources are well quashed.

   Volkswagen's legendary high residual values come resale time apply to Lupos, too. This helps to offset the high initial purchase price. Routine servicing is comparatively inexpensive.

   We've seen it all before: high-grade plastics, tightly fitting trim panels and smooth-operating controls. The Lupo is a 'proper' Volkswagen right down to the swimming-pool blue instrument backlighting. Mechanical and electrical parts are utterly reliable if looked after.

   All Lupos have two airbags, but after that safety provisions are hit and miss; the GTi is one of only two with anti-lock brakes. However, the car came out of a Euro NCAP crash test with three stars.

   There's good seat adjustment and the steering wheel moves up and down. So much glass in such a small car gives a great view of the road outside, and the fixtures and fittings are of typical top-notch Volkswagen quality, giving the impression that you're behind the wheel of a far more expensive car.

   Rear passengers are the ones who end up paying for the Lupo's park-anywhere proportions. Rear legroom is restricted, while headroom is insufficient for teenagers or above. The boot's only big enough for a couple of shopping bags unless the rear seats are folded down.

   The Lupo is not generously equipped, although the classy cabin trim disguises that well. The only things you get in a GTi that aren't generally available elsewhere in the range are alloy wheels and anti-lock brakes, plus an alarm.

   Production of the Volkswagen Lupo ceased in 2005 with only 1.2 TDi 3L and GTi models continuing production as it has been replaced with the VW Fox on the production line.

   Advantages: As with any VW, the Lupo is a high quality, sensible buy with strong resale values. The 1.4 TDi and GTi are genuine fun to drive, too.

   Disadvantages: Initially expensive and hopelessly impractical for more than two people. Security provisions are desperately poor.

   Verdict: Classy image is backed up by a fine drive.

   Also consider: Citroen C2, Ford Ka, Fiat Panda.

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.Car-Catalog.com