Wow, again you make my weekend with some up! GTI content Andrew. :) Great comparison, the SEAT is certainly more grown up and mature than the up! and is obviously a larger more complete package in spite of the broadly aligned resale. The SEAT is a bargain with equipment and added practicality. Despite being a family of four and welcoming the extra room and refinement, I'd still take my up! GTI however. As you point out, the smile ratio and eagerness to please is worth some sacrifices, including room and ticked extras. I'd wager the long-term test of residuals will support the mk1 up! GTI as having a piece of history amongst the VW fan-base, whilst the FR will be long forgotten. Btw, a purchase of the Kid Box or City Box, alleviates the jack issue and safeguards the boot panels, especially when you add a few other elements like a tool kit or similar to prevent movement. As always, a quality production with a measured review. Loved the ending, no surprises I stayed for the 3-pot finale. All the best mate.
I bought an UP! GTI, mainly because of your videos. I know people moan about it being a 'warm' hatch, but they have probably never driven one. I've had it for almost three months now and i still can't get in it without smiling.
Hey Just Luke, thanks for commenting! It's easy to discount the Up! GTI due to its on paper stats which are nothing special until you look at the weight which most people don't. You also have to be prepared to grab it by the scruff of its neck to get the most out of it which most people won't have the chance to do but even driven steadily there are still smiles to had 😁
Just Luke you bet..... best car I’ve ever owned was my 2001 Lupo GTI. I’ve had many faster cars over the last 23 years since I sold the Lupo... but not one of them has made a lasting impression like the Lupo. I would love to find a mint condition 6speed Lupo GTI.... if I could I’d snap it up
I think it's incredible value & frankly *for a lot of people* will make the Up! GTI look expensive with it's generally spartan feel and compromises (unlined boot, no one touch windows, no reach adjustment of steering column, drum brakes etc). But the Up! GTI's basic nature means it's light which means it's unexpectedly fast and big fun so you pays your money and takes your choice, both are good but only one is a bit special 😁
My wife's just bought a FR Sport. Great little car that isn't so little. Has all the best bits of my Golf R but double the MPG. Great little run around.
I currently own the Ibiza FR and the engine is fantastic. Very nippy and has plenty of power. Interior is a bit nasty in areas but it’s so well equipped that I don’t really mind.
Funnily enough back when the Up GTI waits were at their worst I considered an Ibiza 1.0 115 FR. When using a broker the prices were incredibly close for each new. I never actually drove the latest Ibiza FR, but at the back of my mind I always thought that I would get bored of it in the end and so I waited for the Up GTI. The Up GTI sticks two fingers up at the 200, 300+bhp hatches along with their stats. I have a right laugh hooning along down the back lanes and it's just insanely cheap to run in the process.
Im driving the 7.5 Golf R at the moment, and im considering selling it, just do not get the use from it which is a shame, just my back and fourth to work which is only a few miles from my new home, UP gti looks so good.
Definitely something to be said for a small sporty car that isn't that powerful. My cupra is fun, for the 3 seconds it takes to break the speed limit.. More fun to drive a car like the up near its limit than constantly rain in a more powerful car. Cheaper too!
Hi - I'm a recent subscriber and enjoy your video content and style. Off the back of your Up! GTI content I went out a few days ago and test drove one at a local dealer. I was underwhelmed - the good points for me were (1) looks, (2) how much grunt it has, (3) price, (4) mpg and lovely steering wheel, the bad points (1) steering which is super-light and lacks any feel, (2) gearbox is on the clunky-side, (3) too many cheap plastics and no padding on the door sides to rest your arm, (4) pedals that seem strangely high off the floor, (5) seat are barely supportive and (6) limited adjustment of the main controls. The Seat in your review seems to address some of my negative points about the Up! I do like the idea of the Up! GTI and would be happy to pay more for one, if the overall driving dynamics/quality aspects could be improved. Time for an Up! GTI 'Performance' model...
Logically the Up! GTI doesn't make sense especially when compared to the Ibiza, a car which shares the same build and design integrity as all VW Group cars but offers so much more. However, if you get the Up! on the right road all those failings just melt away because there is nothing to touch it on a B road. It's like the best old school hot hatch, just without the rust. Look at the compromises you'd have with a Mk2 Golf GTI and yet they are going for the same money as the Up! GTI so again logic is bypassed in the name of sentimentality (and investability). And a Mk1 Golf GTI wouldn't see which way an Up! GTI went, has numerous failings (brakes!!) and is a lot more than a good used Up! GTI. However there are loads of sensible cars competing for your £12k much like the Ibiza, the Up! is there for people who don't want to be too sensible and has a niche audience. The Ibiza aims for a mainstream audience and does a great job but loses the sparkle which defines the Up! GTI alebit at the expense of so many other niceties 👍
Electric rear windows add weight . I have electric rears in my Golf and in four years have never used them ! Don’t even know if they work . So I have carried that weight around for no purpose whatsoever .Usual brilliant review . How it can be done . Many thanks
My partner has the Ibiza 1.0 FR and it’s a great little car. Surprisingly roomy, decent enough performance and a good motorway car, and over 50mpg is easily attainable.
Tough choice in the SEAT/Golf range..especially if for example: Leon FR-CR 170 vs a Golf GT TDI 170..or the GTD....Its like comparing "Cell Block H" with the new "Wentworth"..both quality for similar reasons....:)....
Nice little video Andrew ;-) I really like the Up GTI, small, definitely less is more /back to basics car. With a more tech driven / bigger car you have to go so much faster to have fun because you're cocooned in so much metal as it were. A friend took me out for a spin in his family owned (since new) 82' Renault Turbo 2, we were doing 60mph but felt like 100 because there is nothing to it i.e. wafer thin body, really light. I much prefer this kind of car now.
Brilliant review Andrew found myself in the same situation and opinion ;) Especially since my up is tuned enginewise, suspensionwise and soundwise. Ordered some Corbea bucketseats 2 weeks ago, can't wait to get them in and go for a proper blast.
Sure the 150 would be nuts especially with DSG but this video is only relevant because the two cars have basically the same engines and even thene people are moaning about them not being the same class of car 🙄
It’s funny I’ve owned ibizas and the Seat Miis. I’ve just ordered a 73 plate brand new Ibiza FR for £16,750 and to buy a low mileage 5 YEAR older up GTI is only 2k less. If the gap was 4 or 5k I think I’d be very tempted to opt for an UP GTI but I can’t do it when I’m getting a brand new SEAT for not much more money
I don't blame you, Up! GTI prices are still ridiculous. I only was into them when they were new as they offered good VFM but now they are old, often abused and out of warranty, not really worth all the compromises they come with
Love the up videos you’ve done. Why have they temporarily stopped selling ? I heard for emissions but surely it’s better than most cars on the road at the moment. Cheers.
Thanks Darren! I gather a new Up! is due in 2020 so sit tight. Blaming emission for it going off sale initially seemed odd as Up! GTI was WLTP approved but it's possible the rest of the range wasn't and not worth testing all the various combinations just to revise the range a short time later. And they can't just make the GTI on its own. Lets hope the new one retains its identity but deals with some of the bits that can be improved👍
Great video Andrew - laughed at the Calvin’s left in the car 😝 oh dear - love the Up GTI however the Seat rear disc brakes and platform means it’s maybe the more sensible choice?
Out of 10 what would you describe the firmness of the Ibiza suspension? Never understood why manufacturers think if you want a well specified car it must have firm suspension. My wife would love a Ibiza but to get a reasonable spec car it seems it has to come with sports suspension.
6.25 out of 10 on 17" wheels, Up! GTI is 8. The two cars ride completely different. Ibiza is must more composed and doesn't appear to be crashy and bangy like the Up! with potholes. It's a totally different platform but do have a long test drive. Beware the FR Sport is on 18s which are too big.
Just find out the Up! GTI existed! I'm having a midlife crisis 🙂, but still trying to be kind of rational. I have a Leon ST with the 1.0 115, and i think it's perfectly fine for everiday life. Two segments down, should be really fun to drive when you want, still having a engine thats very reliable and low consuming. Do you know if the geabox ratio is the same in all 1.0 115? Thanks!
I think the lack of alot of interior technology will make the Up GTI timeless as the years go on, cars with large screens inside will become extremely dated interior wise. Love the UP GTI, Ibiza looks really good too.
Thinking of buying a up gti love the looks of it in all colours so thankyou for some great vids it's from watching your vids I've decided to buy one so thankyou
Good & interesting comparative review Andrew. Long overdue on You Tube. Top Man UPGTI UK. A number of FR owners have made comment about it on my Briskoda UPGTi thread.
@@volkswizard Members 340 1,203 posts Location:North Car:Citigo Monte Carlo MK3.5 Octavia VRS Report post Posted 8 December, 2018 (edited) On 08/12/2018 at 15:32, vrskeith said: Pays your money and takes your choice I guess . New Seat Ibiza FR Sport with 7 Speed DSG @ £19000 without any discount applied, that's about £4k up on the Up GTi and you obviously wanted the DSG. hardly a direct comparison imo Think the Suzuki Swift Sport is better value than the Seat. I paid £14.3k for one. With spare and Pano roof. Brand new! its a better car than the UP! 100%. Just paying for the badge. The UP GTi is a decent car, just small things that let it down. Your video above regards the Micra isn’t really a comparison with the UP either to be honest. Drove the Swift, didn’t like it. Engine was horrendously loud as it has a tiny boot. The Ibiza it’s is he best of the bunch in my opinion. Have a test drive. You’ll soon make the jump to the Seat Defenderben Uber Member Members 675 1,903 posts Car:CItigo SE & Transit Connect Report post Posted 8 December, 2018 (edited) At least it looks like the Ibiza FR sport gets rear disks, unlike the Up GTi with the same drums as the rest of the Up/Mii/Citigo range, which to me is poor Edited 8 December, 2018 by Defenderben FREEDOM 22,344 20,789 posts Location:Essex, UK Car:Green Fabia, brisk Yeti and some others... Report post Posted 10 December, 2018 (edited) On 09/12/2018 at 11:55, Tim1631 said: People have jumped on the band wagon, thinking they have a brilliant car. It’s an ok car. I wouldn’t class it as brilliant. It’s good as it’s got no direct competition. It’s flawed and it’s had corners cut with the lack of equipment. As you say. Each to their own. This isn’t my only car either (I won’t mention my other cars to try and show off ) and use the UP (well Ibiza now) as a commuter car. The boot is tiny in the UP, rear space isn’t that great, I have two small children. It’s just a cheap car, with corners cut. The headlights are terrible, absolutely shocking it’s nearky 2019 and a tip of the range car still having halogens is beyond me. The seats. Yes they’re heated but that’s it, theyre the sane seats you get in a basic UP/MII/Citigo. Im personally disappointed with the car. Each to their own.... I really like the idea of the UP! GTI but I already have a Monte Carlo Citigo. Like you, I have other vehicles to use, but I find I use the Citigo most of the time due to it's size/economy and lack of realistic depreciation. As a daily for running to work, and sometimes moving the family at weekends I find the boot adequate, space fine for a family of 4 as both kids under 10 and it drives fine. When you consider the price, I can't say I have any concerns with the equipment or tech. We are dealing with cheap cars here. It's easy to spend £30k+ on a top of the range Skoda these days. It's not the best car ever, but it might just be the best car for around £15k or less unless you want something more mainstream. You can spend an extra £10k on a Fiesta!! Edited 10 December, 2018 by BossFox
Thanks Ian! No, not sold yet, not advertised yet! Saturday went like this - 830am customer views a car. 10am I view and then send payment for Up! GTI. 1050am Get back to work 1115am another customer views a car. 12 noon Up! GTI owner drops off car as payment has cleared. 130pm second viewer sets off in car that he's just bought. I finally get my lunch then I start preparing to film and eventually start filming. 1830 ish I stop. Home for 7pm then editing until around 11pm. 1130 start upload to UA-cam. Sleep. 8am Sunday upload completes! So no time to market the car yet apart from a single photo ad on Autotrader. Hopefully tomorrow I will get more info online 👍
Thanks. I see that a lot in adverts and do worry for people as they'd never put their address in the advert. As a business however I don't have any choice apart from to have suitable levels of security, keys never left on site, gates kept closed as a matter of course (and a big dog🤣)
This where I got my stats from; 1140 kg for Ibiza www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/seat/seat-ibiza-10-tsi-fr-2017-review/ 1070kg for Up! GTI www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-up-gti-2018-review/ evo magazine always state the Up! GTI is 995kg so hard to be sure what's what apart from the Up! is definitely lighter to some degree and feels it but the Ibiza feels lighter than you'd expect on the road. Gearing is I am pretty sure a lot shorter in the Up! and yet doesn't feel short in isolation so the Ibiza is hampered for emissions I think. Both will clip 60 in 2nd so it doesn't help the 0-60 time of the Ibiza. I really need to try the DSG as that might be just perfect as an urban based all rounder.
Good guess but no, it crosses the M42 near J3. Don't want to encourage people to drive it as it's a bit tricky and has a caravan park on it which means cars towing caravans lumber their way north towards M42 J3 using 1.5 lanes and flash their lights at me for driving on the right side within the speed limit. You can't win in those situations so best to avoid it, I away reccee in both directions and for faster drives, go north so caravans are ahead of me, not coming towards me.
sorry but the vw up doesnt cat with ibiza fr, the vw up is way to small and should be kept apart and be compared to a aygo or something, the FR is in the vw polo - golf league
These cars aren't the same type of car? The ibiza is a Polo underneath. Don't see the point in the comparison. You should consider comparing the up to the polo instead of you're going to compare different car types.
Hey Marc, I've done more than you can ever imagine with Corrado VR6s back in the day, 3 consecutive project cars for a start, one I was track daying. Would love to review a totally original car as it's the only classic VW I get excited about as they drive SO well. www.volkswizard.co.uk/carsforsale/n950yhp.htm
@@volkswizard I cant view the pictures for some reason I have messaged you on your facebook page. I am part of a group with members who are fairly local to you
But who is gonna get the Ibiza FR with the 1,0 115 BHP engine insted of the 1,5 150 BHP engine........ i have a 2018 Ibiza FR 1,5l and is is fucking great 👌👌
I think young drivers will go for the 1.0 and be chuffed with it - in fact this car was sold to a young lad as his first car, that would never happen with 150 PS so it has a solid market
I'm normally touchy about interiors and yes the plastics are a bit suspect but there is enough to distract in the Ibiza. I can't imagine A1 feels any better, this is certainly not far off the old A1.
@@volkswizard yeah, for sure. I've no doubt it's well made, it's just the actual lines and layout of the design itself which I find totally impersonal. Car interior design is not doing it for me at all right now. Almost an extra plus of the Up! is that there's so little of it to complain about... Well except the red pixels. Although that's growing on me. Wow, this comment is too long - sorry!
My source Joe works at a main dealership and is party to more accurate information than the media so I have faith in what he's said so fingers crossed🤞
Don't you think the fact you can buy a car in the next class up with same drivetrain, similar performance, effectively the same manufacturer, superior equipment levels for virtually the same price is not worthy of exploration? 30k views seem to think it is
I think i would still be swayed to the VW Up! I don’t think you need loads of gadgets on a city car, the Lupo Gti had virtually nothing and it’s a superb car. Anyone cautious about keyless entry and start cars shouldn’t be, by simply buying a couple of faraday key pouches (for the main and spare key!) and keeping the keys in them whenever your indoors or away from the car, this completely prevents any “relay” attack being able to be used to read the keys, also keeps the keys in nice condition The Defender UK made faraday pouches are very good and also do different size pouches 👍🏻 an Audi or Vw key fits perfectly in the smaller ones 👍🏻
Good info Maverick, thanks! You can also have the keyless entry bit deactivated permanently via VCDS if you feel better about that. The biggest issue for me is that putting a key in an ignition slot is the perfect way not to lose it and you always know where it is - though I hop in and out of a lot of cars so possibly less of an issue if you have just one
volkswizard i only have one car with keyless entry and start at the moment, found it a bit odd at first must admit, occasionally i still go for an ignition barrel 😂 I would have gladly had a car without it to be fair, not one of those must have options for me, don’t think i would disable it though as i wouldn’t be able to start the car at all 😂👍🏻 I will be looking for a nice spec Up Gti or an Audi S1 in the very near future, love the up but the prices they are holding the S1 seems better value for a wee bit more money Any plans to do an S1 review?
I would say the seat is better for obvious reason it's based on the polo which is a bit of an unfair comparison. Should be an ibiza fr to a polo GTI. Pointless test
Wow, again you make my weekend with some up! GTI content Andrew. :) Great comparison, the SEAT is certainly more grown up and mature than the up! and is obviously a larger more complete package in spite of the broadly aligned resale. The SEAT is a bargain with equipment and added practicality. Despite being a family of four and welcoming the extra room and refinement, I'd still take my up! GTI however. As you point out, the smile ratio and eagerness to please is worth some sacrifices, including room and ticked extras. I'd wager the long-term test of residuals will support the mk1 up! GTI as having a piece of history amongst the VW fan-base, whilst the FR will be long forgotten. Btw, a purchase of the Kid Box or City Box, alleviates the jack issue and safeguards the boot panels, especially when you add a few other elements like a tool kit or similar to prevent movement. As always, a quality production with a measured review. Loved the ending, no surprises I stayed for the 3-pot finale. All the best mate.
Thanks again Darren👍 Kid Box or City Box is a great tip. Glad you stayed for the ending, sometimes you just want to drive...🙌
I bought an UP! GTI, mainly because of your videos. I know people moan about it being a 'warm' hatch, but they have probably never driven one. I've had it for almost three months now and i still can't get in it without smiling.
Hey Just Luke, thanks for commenting! It's easy to discount the Up! GTI due to its on paper stats which are nothing special until you look at the weight which most people don't. You also have to be prepared to grab it by the scruff of its neck to get the most out of it which most people won't have the chance to do but even driven steadily there are still smiles to had 😁
Totally agree Just Luke.
Just Luke you bet..... best car I’ve ever owned was my 2001 Lupo GTI. I’ve had many faster cars over the last 23 years since I sold the Lupo... but not one of them has made a lasting impression like the Lupo. I would love to find a mint condition 6speed Lupo GTI.... if I could I’d snap it up
Me too!
Got the IBIZA 1.0 115 FR, built to a budget but well equipped, surprisingly quick and superb handling, great VFM...
I think it's incredible value & frankly *for a lot of people* will make the Up! GTI look expensive with it's generally spartan feel and compromises (unlined boot, no one touch windows, no reach adjustment of steering column, drum brakes etc). But the Up! GTI's basic nature means it's light which means it's unexpectedly fast and big fun so you pays your money and takes your choice, both are good but only one is a bit special 😁
My wife's just bought a FR Sport. Great little car that isn't so little. Has all the best bits of my Golf R but double the MPG. Great little run around.
I currently own the Ibiza FR and the engine is fantastic. Very nippy and has plenty of power. Interior is a bit nasty in areas but it’s so well equipped that I don’t really mind.
Funnily enough back when the Up GTI waits were at their worst I considered an Ibiza 1.0 115 FR. When using a broker the prices were incredibly close for each new. I never actually drove the latest Ibiza FR, but at the back of my mind I always thought that I would get bored of it in the end and so I waited for the Up GTI. The Up GTI sticks two fingers up at the 200, 300+bhp hatches along with their stats. I have a right laugh hooning along down the back lanes and it's just insanely cheap to run in the process.
Im driving the 7.5 Golf R at the moment, and im considering selling it, just do not get the use from it which is a shame, just my back and fourth to work which is only a few miles from my new home, UP gti looks so good.
Definitely something to be said for a small sporty car that isn't that powerful.
My cupra is fun, for the 3 seconds it takes to break the speed limit..
More fun to drive a car like the up near its limit than constantly rain in a more powerful car. Cheaper too!
Hi - I'm a recent subscriber and enjoy your video content and style. Off the back of your Up! GTI content I went out a few days ago and test drove one at a local dealer. I was underwhelmed - the good points for me were (1) looks, (2) how much grunt it has, (3) price, (4) mpg and lovely steering wheel, the bad points (1) steering which is super-light and lacks any feel, (2) gearbox is on the clunky-side, (3) too many cheap plastics and no padding on the door sides to rest your arm, (4) pedals that seem strangely high off the floor, (5) seat are barely supportive and (6) limited adjustment of the main controls. The Seat in your review seems to address some of my negative points about the Up! I do like the idea of the Up! GTI and would be happy to pay more for one, if the overall driving dynamics/quality aspects could be improved. Time for an Up! GTI 'Performance' model...
Guess it's pays your money and makes your choice.
Logically the Up! GTI doesn't make sense especially when compared to the Ibiza, a car which shares the same build and design integrity as all VW Group cars but offers so much more. However, if you get the Up! on the right road all those failings just melt away because there is nothing to touch it on a B road. It's like the best old school hot hatch, just without the rust. Look at the compromises you'd have with a Mk2 Golf GTI and yet they are going for the same money as the Up! GTI so again logic is bypassed in the name of sentimentality (and investability). And a Mk1 Golf GTI wouldn't see which way an Up! GTI went, has numerous failings (brakes!!) and is a lot more than a good used Up! GTI. However there are loads of sensible cars competing for your £12k much like the Ibiza, the Up! is there for people who don't want to be too sensible and has a niche audience. The Ibiza aims for a mainstream audience and does a great job but loses the sparkle which defines the Up! GTI alebit at the expense of so many other niceties 👍
Electric rear windows add weight . I have electric rears in my Golf and in four years have never used them ! Don’t even know if they work . So I have carried that weight around for no purpose whatsoever .Usual brilliant review . How it can be done . Many thanks
My partner has the Ibiza 1.0 FR and it’s a great little car. Surprisingly roomy, decent enough performance and a good motorway car, and over 50mpg is easily attainable.
It's definitely come on a lot with this gen car. I can't see the Audi A1 being worth the significant extra outlay. Not even bothering to mention Polo.
The UP far better if just for the tartan seats and fun factor, great vlog Andrew
Thanks Rob!
Tough choice in the SEAT/Golf range..especially if for example: Leon FR-CR 170 vs a Golf GT TDI 170..or the GTD....Its like comparing "Cell Block H" with the new "Wentworth"..both quality for similar reasons....:)....
As someone else pointed out those, no Ibiza Cupra yet but there is a 200 PS A1 to do battle with the Polo GTI (but no S1)
Nice little video Andrew ;-) I really like the Up GTI, small, definitely less is more /back to basics car. With a more tech driven / bigger car you have to go so much faster to have fun because you're cocooned in so much metal as it were. A friend took me out for a spin in his family owned (since new) 82' Renault Turbo 2, we were doing 60mph but felt like 100 because there is nothing to it i.e. wafer thin body, really light. I much prefer this kind of car now.
Brilliant review Andrew found myself in the same situation and opinion ;) Especially since my up is tuned enginewise, suspensionwise and soundwise. Ordered some Corbea bucketseats 2 weeks ago, can't wait to get them in and go for a proper blast.
It’s considering buying the Ibiza FR 1.5 EVO 150bhp model I think that would be far better than the1litre model. Great review tho👍🏻
Sure the 150 would be nuts especially with DSG but this video is only relevant because the two cars have basically the same engines and even thene people are moaning about them not being the same class of car 🙄
Were you able to find one? They have removed the 1.5 from sale for new models, I wanted it in the Polo but had to go for the 1.0 115 instead.
Give me the 1.6 TDI FR remapped to 150BHP 350NM torque 👌🏻
It’s funny I’ve owned ibizas and the Seat Miis. I’ve just ordered a 73 plate brand new Ibiza FR for £16,750 and to buy a low mileage 5 YEAR older up GTI is only 2k less. If the gap was 4 or 5k I think I’d be very tempted to opt for an UP GTI but I can’t do it when I’m getting a brand new SEAT for not much more money
I don't blame you, Up! GTI prices are still ridiculous. I only was into them when they were new as they offered good VFM but now they are old, often abused and out of warranty, not really worth all the compromises they come with
Personally would go for the Ibiza because it's more grown up looking and the better spec but no doubt the Up is more Fun behind the wheel
Great video! Makes me want to go for a drive in my UP GTI 😉😃😃
Great Sam, that was what I was hoping to achieve :)
The smile as soon as you started to drive the Up says it all.
Love the up videos you’ve done. Why have they temporarily stopped selling ? I heard for emissions but surely it’s better than most cars on the road at the moment. Cheers.
Thanks Darren! I gather a new Up! is due in 2020 so sit tight. Blaming emission for it going off sale initially seemed odd as Up! GTI was WLTP approved but it's possible the rest of the range wasn't and not worth testing all the various combinations just to revise the range a short time later. And they can't just make the GTI on its own. Lets hope the new one retains its identity but deals with some of the bits that can be improved👍
Great video Andrew - laughed at the Calvin’s left in the car 😝 oh dear - love the Up GTI however the Seat rear disc brakes and platform means it’s maybe the more sensible choice?
Ibiza is definitely more sensible but who wants to be sensible?😜
Out of 10 what would you describe the firmness of the Ibiza suspension? Never understood why manufacturers think if you want a well specified car it must have firm suspension. My wife would love a Ibiza but to get a reasonable spec car it seems it has to come with sports suspension.
6.25 out of 10 on 17" wheels, Up! GTI is 8. The two cars ride completely different. Ibiza is must more composed and doesn't appear to be crashy and bangy like the Up! with potholes. It's a totally different platform but do have a long test drive. Beware the FR Sport is on 18s which are too big.
Fantastic review. So very tempted by an Ibiza, and you may have just pushed me over the line :)
Just find out the Up! GTI existed! I'm having a midlife crisis 🙂, but still trying to be kind of rational. I have a Leon ST with the 1.0 115, and i think it's perfectly fine for everiday life. Two segments down, should be really fun to drive when you want, still having a engine thats very reliable and low consuming. Do you know if the geabox ratio is the same in all 1.0 115? Thanks!
I think the lack of alot of interior technology will make the Up GTI timeless as the years go on, cars with large screens inside will become extremely dated interior wise. Love the UP GTI, Ibiza looks really good too.
I had a polo Rline with the same engine, what a cracking car. Got a polo gti coming soon, just a 16 plate
Another great video again . Hope the subscribers to this channel are rising towards the 10k
Thinking of buying a up gti love the looks of it in all colours so thankyou for some great vids it's from watching your vids I've decided to buy one so thankyou
Thanks Daniel! You won't be disappointed, it's not perfect by any means but what it does offer easily makes up for it's flaws and all cars have some.
Good & interesting comparative review Andrew. Long overdue on You Tube. Top Man UPGTI UK.
A number of FR owners have made comment about it on my Briskoda UPGTi thread.
Hi Keith, what have they commented on, the video, or the fact the Ibiza FR shouldn't be overlooked when considering an Up! GTI?
@@volkswizard
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Posted 8 December, 2018 (edited)
On 08/12/2018 at 15:32, vrskeith said:
Pays your money and takes your choice I guess . New Seat Ibiza FR Sport with 7 Speed DSG @ £19000 without any discount applied, that's about £4k up on the Up GTi and you obviously wanted the DSG. hardly a direct comparison imo
Think the Suzuki Swift Sport is better value than the Seat.
I paid £14.3k for one. With spare and Pano roof.
Brand new!
its a better car than the UP! 100%. Just paying for the badge. The UP GTi is a decent car, just small things that let it down.
Your video above regards the Micra isn’t really a comparison with the UP either to be honest.
Drove the Swift, didn’t like it. Engine was horrendously loud as it has a tiny boot.
The Ibiza it’s is he best of the bunch in my opinion. Have a test drive. You’ll soon make the jump to the Seat
Defenderben
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Posted 8 December, 2018 (edited)
At least it looks like the Ibiza FR sport gets rear disks, unlike the Up GTi with the same drums as the rest of the Up/Mii/Citigo range, which to me is poor
Edited 8 December, 2018 by Defenderben
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Posted 10 December, 2018 (edited)
On 09/12/2018 at 11:55, Tim1631 said:
People have jumped on the band wagon, thinking they have a brilliant car. It’s an ok car. I wouldn’t class it as brilliant. It’s good as it’s got no direct competition. It’s flawed and it’s had corners cut with the lack of equipment.
As you say. Each to their own.
This isn’t my only car either (I won’t mention my other cars to try and show off ) and use the UP (well Ibiza now) as a commuter car.
The boot is tiny in the UP, rear space isn’t that great, I have two small children.
It’s just a cheap car, with corners cut. The headlights are terrible, absolutely shocking it’s nearky 2019 and a tip of the range car still having halogens is beyond me.
The seats. Yes they’re heated but that’s it, theyre the sane seats you get in a basic UP/MII/Citigo.
Im personally disappointed with the car. Each to their own....
I really like the idea of the UP! GTI but I already have a Monte Carlo Citigo.
Like you, I have other vehicles to use, but I find I use the Citigo most of the time due to it's size/economy and lack of realistic depreciation.
As a daily for running to work, and sometimes moving the family at weekends I find the boot adequate, space fine for a family of 4 as both kids under 10 and it drives fine.
When you consider the price, I can't say I have any concerns with the equipment or tech.
We are dealing with cheap cars here.
It's easy to spend £30k+ on a top of the range Skoda these days.
It's not the best car ever, but it might just be the best car for around £15k or less unless you want something more mainstream. You can spend an extra £10k on a Fiesta!!
Edited 10 December, 2018 by BossFox
Great video as ever, Andrew! Is the Up! GTi on the website? I can see the Seat but not the Up!.... have you sold it already?! 😂
Thanks Ian! No, not sold yet, not advertised yet! Saturday went like this - 830am customer views a car. 10am I view and then send payment for Up! GTI. 1050am Get back to work 1115am another customer views a car. 12 noon Up! GTI owner drops off car as payment has cleared. 130pm second viewer sets off in car that he's just bought. I finally get my lunch then I start preparing to film and eventually start filming. 1830 ish I stop. Home for 7pm then editing until around 11pm. 1130 start upload to UA-cam. Sleep. 8am Sunday upload completes! So no time to market the car yet apart from a single photo ad on Autotrader. Hopefully tomorrow I will get more info online 👍
@@volkswizard busy weekend!
Love the Up GTi but would the Ibiza be more practical for a small family? Would a 5dr Up be practical for a couple with a small baby?
I would delete or blur the Sat Nav map because your location is visible,unless you don't mind people knowing ?
Thanks. I see that a lot in adverts and do worry for people as they'd never put their address in the advert. As a business however I don't have any choice apart from to have suitable levels of security, keys never left on site, gates kept closed as a matter of course (and a big dog🤣)
@@volkswizard You do have the benefit of houses around and they would hopefully alert Police if they saw/hear anything untoward.
@@volkswizard not to mention an attack cat by the name of Toby.
@@JimboJammy He attacked the guard dog, and won!
Weird that the Seat has longer gears. As far as I can see they both weigh the same so guess thats the only reason the VW feels noticably quicker?
This where I got my stats from;
1140 kg for Ibiza
www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/seat/seat-ibiza-10-tsi-fr-2017-review/
1070kg for Up! GTI
www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/volkswagen/vw-up-gti-2018-review/
evo magazine always state the Up! GTI is 995kg so hard to be sure what's what apart from the Up! is definitely lighter to some degree and feels it but the Ibiza feels lighter than you'd expect on the road. Gearing is I am pretty sure a lot shorter in the Up! and yet doesn't feel short in isolation so the Ibiza is hampered for emissions I think. Both will clip 60 in 2nd so it doesn't help the 0-60 time of the Ibiza. I really need to try the DSG as that might be just perfect as an urban based all rounder.
Is that a road in Evesham? I remember you saying in one of your previous videos
Good guess but no, it crosses the M42 near J3. Don't want to encourage people to drive it as it's a bit tricky and has a caravan park on it which means cars towing caravans lumber their way north towards M42 J3 using 1.5 lanes and flash their lights at me for driving on the right side within the speed limit. You can't win in those situations so best to avoid it, I away reccee in both directions and for faster drives, go north so caravans are ahead of me, not coming towards me.
Great stuff & great advice👍,And there goes mansel 🏎️🏆, good luck god bless all ☘️🙏
i would own either, but if i had to choose one over the other, i would take the seat.
I can see why you'd be happy with either and why you'd prefer the SEAT, no bad choice to be had here!
Loved this video, informative and entertaining. What’s the 0-60 times for these two cars?
8.8 secs Up! GTI
9.3 secs Ibiza FR 1.0 TSI 115 PS manual (they do offer a DSG which I'd love to try)
Listen to the video, as Andrew tells you.
It's crazy how these exact 2 same cars are more expensive to buy now than 3 years ago.
That 12k Up is now 14k with those same miles
Tell me about it! I promoted Up! GTI as it was good value then. PEOPLE, IT ISNT GOOD VALUE TODAY SO DONT BUT ONE 😆👍
@@volkswizard i am going to wait a couple of years. A 5 year old Up GTI should be around 8k now. Not 13k!
sorry but the vw up doesnt cat with ibiza fr, the vw up is way to small and should be kept apart and be compared to a aygo or something, the FR is in the vw polo - golf league
Cheers, more smiles per mile 😁
GTI all the way
Haven't got emojis available right now so :)
Brilliant review as always.
Thanks Roberto!
These cars aren't the same type of car? The ibiza is a Polo underneath. Don't see the point in the comparison. You should consider comparing the up to the polo instead of you're going to compare different car types.
I like the UP GTI but I dont like the glass tailgate.
Really do enjoy your videos. I have a ibiza fr so I'm biased. Also have a corrado vr6 which if you can get hold of one would be nice to see you review
Hey Marc, I've done more than you can ever imagine with Corrado VR6s back in the day, 3 consecutive project cars for a start, one I was track daying. Would love to review a totally original car as it's the only classic VW I get excited about as they drive SO well. www.volkswizard.co.uk/carsforsale/n950yhp.htm
@@volkswizard I cant view the pictures for some reason I have messaged you on your facebook page. I am part of a group with members who are fairly local to you
@@marcvanweert85 Sadly the photos are long gone from that very old page. There are a few Corrados around here, Ian Saxton is the top man I know.
@@volkswizard ah yes I know of him. Is that your car he has?
Which one saves more petrol pls its important to me
Up! GTI as it's lighter
@@volkswizard wow LOL
Just traded a mk7 Gti for an Fr ibiza
But who is gonna get the Ibiza FR with the 1,0 115 BHP engine insted of the 1,5 150 BHP engine........ i have a 2018 Ibiza FR 1,5l and is is fucking great 👌👌
I think young drivers will go for the 1.0 and be chuffed with it - in fact this car was sold to a young lad as his first car, that would never happen with 150 PS so it has a solid market
Just buying a 1.0 haha from a Gti gonna be slow oh well hard to find them in 1.5
I'm 40 years of age and would definitely go for a 1.0T over the 1.5 purely for petrol costs
Gnarly dude
I did used to be a skateboarder and haven't completely lost the vocab🤙
It's a shame Seat has cancelled the 1.5 TSI EVO...
Gotta be honest, IMO the interior of the Ibiza (like the new Polo) is disgusting. Well-equipped by the looks of it, but aesthetically.. Jesus!
I'm normally touchy about interiors and yes the plastics are a bit suspect but there is enough to distract in the Ibiza. I can't imagine A1 feels any better, this is certainly not far off the old A1.
@@volkswizard yeah, for sure. I've no doubt it's well made, it's just the actual lines and layout of the design itself which I find totally impersonal. Car interior design is not doing it for me at all right now. Almost an extra plus of the Up! is that there's so little of it to complain about... Well except the red pixels. Although that's growing on me. Wow, this comment is too long - sorry!
Both are decent cars... But at £11,000? Nope. Nah.
lol you can't compare a vw up to seat ibiza fr, two different platforms
lol they are the same price and same engine and therefore sufficient for a comparison on my channel
A new up coming?! I've read the opposite. That this will be the last.
My source Joe works at a main dealership and is party to more accurate information than the media so I have faith in what he's said so fingers crossed🤞
@@volkswizard Okey! Interesting indeed. I'm thinking of selling my up TSI-17 and buy the new Polo but maybe I'll wait a bit then.. ;)
Cant compare them, the Ibiza is way better all around. Compare a car that's in the same segment as a UP
Don't you think the fact you can buy a car in the next class up with same drivetrain, similar performance, effectively the same manufacturer, superior equipment levels for virtually the same price is not worthy of exploration? 30k views seem to think it is
I think i would still be swayed to the VW Up! I don’t think you need loads of gadgets on a city car, the Lupo Gti had virtually nothing and it’s a superb car.
Anyone cautious about keyless entry and start cars shouldn’t be, by simply buying a couple of faraday key pouches (for the main and spare key!) and keeping the keys in them whenever your indoors or away from the car, this completely prevents any “relay” attack being able to be used to read the keys, also keeps the keys in nice condition
The Defender UK made faraday pouches are very good and also do different size pouches 👍🏻 an Audi or Vw key fits perfectly in the smaller ones 👍🏻
Good info Maverick, thanks! You can also have the keyless entry bit deactivated permanently via VCDS if you feel better about that. The biggest issue for me is that putting a key in an ignition slot is the perfect way not to lose it and you always know where it is - though I hop in and out of a lot of cars so possibly less of an issue if you have just one
volkswizard i only have one car with keyless entry and start at the moment, found it a bit odd at first must admit, occasionally i still go for an ignition barrel 😂
I would have gladly had a car without it to be fair, not one of those must have options for me, don’t think i would disable it though as i wouldn’t be able to start the car at all 😂👍🏻
I will be looking for a nice spec Up Gti or an Audi S1 in the very near future, love the up but the prices they are holding the S1 seems better value for a wee bit more money
Any plans to do an S1 review?
See who wants to sell an up gti 🤣
I would say the seat is better for obvious reason it's based on the polo which is a bit of an unfair comparison. Should be an ibiza fr to a polo GTI. Pointless test
Polo GTI is 200 PS Ibiza is 115, you think that's a fairer test?
Seat should make there cars faster then, because car size wise that's fair