Volkswagen Up! GTI looks like loads of fun with some power tuning

The tiny Volkswagen Up! GTI (WV120) is not a sluggish compact at all, but more so thanks to its low weight than engine power. A recent video shows what it is capable of with an extra bit of thrust.

In its stock form, the urban car churns out 115 PS (113 hp / 85 kW) from its 1.0-liter turbocharged three-pot. With a Stage II upgrade, however, it hits the wheels with something closer to 175 PS (173 hp / 129 kW). And if you consider that it weighs in at around one metric ton (2,200 lbs), that gives you a power-to-weight ratio of 1 horsepower per 5.8 kilograms, not a bad number at all for a tame city ride. In fact, even the Mk7 Golf GTi is a touch worse in this respect with a ratio of 1hp / 6.23kg.

Watch the entire 17-minute video if you want to know how much fun a VW Up! can be with a little aftermarket love.