Lupo World

Some History about the lupo - The lupo was introduced by Volkswagen in the Feb of 1999, at first it was offered in 3 different trim levels with four engines, starting with the entry 1.0 litre 50 BHP, the 1.4 litre 75 BHP and 2 diesels a 1.7 60 BHP SDI and the acclaimed 1.4 75 BHP TDi. The initial trim levels were either E or S spec, the E coming as standard with 'Start' Upolostry, Power Assisted Steering, Beta RDS Radio Cassette, 13" steel wheels, Rev Counter, immobilisor, driver and passenger airbags and Body Colour bumpers. While the S trim came with 'Canasta' Upolostry and the standard spec of the E plus Electric Windows, Central Locking, Body Colour door strips and wing mirror housings, Internal door close button. Both trim options had an extensive options list of the usuals including Electric Glass sunroof, ABS brakes, front fogs, alloys wheels, leather interior, air con, cd player etc and also the famous VW full length electric fabric folding roof was also and option. The car was available in a range of VW colours including, Black, Flash Red, White, Soft Blue, Jazz Blue, Taffeta Green, Cyber Green, Silver and Yellow. The car was recieved to much acclaim by both the motoring press and the motoring public, it instantly begain to win awards for exceptional interior and exterior build quality that usually is only reserved for larger BMW's, MERC's etc.

Then in 2000 the Lupo Sport was introduced! This new lupo was a 1.4 litre 100 BHP 16v unit, that propelled the little vw from 0-62 MPH in just 10 seconds according to VW although in real everyday life the sport has proved to be a lot quicker than the book figures sugest! The Lupo sport came originally with 'Tom' Sport cloth seats and with the added standard spec over the lupo E and S models of Front fogs, single chrome centre tailpipe exahaust, 14" alloy wheels, ABS brakes, 16v chrome badging on exterior and of course that 100 BHP 16v engine!

The lupo went from strength to strength winning many awards from various motoring groups all over the UK. Then in 2001 VW produced one of the best and most authentic GTi's they have produced since the MK1 GTi Golf! The Lupo GTi was born! The new engine unit was taken out of the VW Polo GTi, being a 1.6 125 BHP 16v engine it took the lupo from 0-62 in just 8.3 seconds and produced one of the most fun and dynamic driving experience's a small car has ever had! The Spec of the GTi included over the E, S and Sport trims, 15" daytona alloy wheels, VW colour coded body kit, Twin centre tailpipes, lowered suspension, VW interwoven velour sports seats, 6 speed manual transmission (5 speed in early GTi models), Gti leather rimmed steering wheel and gear, GTi Chrome badging front and rear, Mesh front grille and Rear roof spoiler! Recently the lupo GTi was tested on the channel 4 programme 'Driven' and was pitched against the Citreon Saxo VTS and the Ford Puma 1.7, the Lupo won the group test hands down, not just due to its looks and exclusivity but aswell down to its scorching driving dynamics! The lupo holds it on better than any other small hot hatch, whether it be the lupo 1.0 E or the lupo GTi!