2002 VOLKSWAGEN LUPO GTI

This VW Lupo GTI is a fantastic junior hot hatch, with interesting early provenance, and presented in very good condition throughout. It is powered by a peppy 123bhp 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 75,550 miles from new.

First registered in March 2002, this Lupo GTI has four previous registered keepers on the log book. The first owner was Volkswagen UK, as this ‘pocket rocket’ was put into service as a press demonstrator, predominantly to introduce the changes for the 2002 model, which included the six-speed gearbox and improved throttle response. It has been owned by the seller for just over two years.

The seller reports that the exterior is in excellent condition, with typically impressive VW factory shut lines and panel gaps throughout. The only blemish in any of the panels is a small door dent on the driver’s side. The Flash Red paint finish is smooth and even around the car, with only some minor stone chips noted on the bonnet. Light lenses, body trims, and a badging are all as they left the factory, with no aftermarket modifications. It even rides on the original 15-inch alloy wheels, which are all in good order.

Unsurprisingly for a press car, this Lupo was loaded with options, including the front heated seats and full black leather upholstery throughout, as well as the electric sunroof, tinted glass, and CD player. The leather itself is in great shape, with no rips or tears, and only modest creasing on the front bases and bolsters. There are some marks on the door handles, but nothing that goes beyond standard wear commensurate with the mileage. The seller reports no faults with any of the switchgear or electrics, through the bonnet release can occasionally be slightly loose.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in April 2019 at 73,107 miles, with an oil and filter service carried out by VW Liverpool. The air-conditioning has also been recently re-gassed. Prior to this, there was also a cambelt replacement in 2018 – though the exact mileage was not recorded on the receipt – and it was serviced in September 2016 at 70,810 miles, and in April 2015 at 64,243 miles, when the spark plugs, fuel filter and air filter were renewed. The cambelt, auxiliary belt and water pump were also replaced during the April 2014 service at 57,765 miles.The most recent MOT test was on 30 August 2019 at 74,133 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with two advisories regarding corrosion on the rear brake lines and some wear on the front brake pads - which were rectified by fitting new brake lines and new front calipers. The seller states that the car will be handed over to its next owner with a fresh 12-month MOT certificate. The wheels are fitted with Toyo Proxes tyres all round, with at least 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is the original stamped service book, a good file of maintenance paperwork, and various magazines - including the issue of Volkswagen Driver that features this very car.

This VW Lupo GTI is a very tidy example of an impressive hot hatch, boasting superb build quality, an entertaining engine and gearbox combination, and an engaging soundtrack. This particular car is supported by a detailed maintenance history and is great fun to drive on twisting B-roads - a true modern classic with premium cachet.

Summary of service history:

• 21 Feb 2002 - Pre-delivery
• 9 Aug 2003 - 6,174 miles
• 12 Aug 2004 - 12,003 miles
• 5 Oct 2005 - 20,009 miles
• 4 Apr 2007 - 29,477 miles
• 11 Feb 2009 - 39,991 miles
• 9 Mar 2010 - 43,762 miles
• 27 May 2011 - 49,499 miles
• 26 Apr 2014 - 57,765 miles
• 25 Apr 2015 - 64,243 miles
• 3 Sep 2016 - 70,810 miles
• 3 Apr 2019 - 73,107 miles

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.