Volkswagen has officially lifted the covers off the new Up! GTi, the hot hatch version of its popular city car, and it looks like an absolute hoot.

With more than a passing resemblance to the original MkI Golf GTi in appearance, size and performance, the 113bhp Up! GTi is due to go on sale early next year priced from around £15,000.

We’ve known for some time now that an Up! GTi was on its way with first drives of the prototypes having taken place last year, but this is the first time we’ve seen the car in its final production form.

It certainly looks like a GTi with the familiar red stripe slashed across the radiator grille, plus double stripes across the side sills, 17-inch alloy wheels and suspension that’s lowered by 15mm.

The Up! GTi also gets gloss black wing mirrors and a larger spoiler for extra downforce, while inside it comes with a sports steering wheel, the classic tartan patterned seats and a GTi gear knob.

While the Golf GTi has got larger and more sophisticated with each generation, the little Up! looks like a throwback to the good days of uncomplicated, old-school fun.

Compared to the MkI Golf GTi it’s got around 5bhp more from its 1.0-litre three-pot engine and can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 8.8 seconds while the original Golf GTi did the same sprint in nine seconds flat.

Because the Up! has such a small wheelbase to begin with, Volkswagen says that the car has a similar feeling to a go-kart while still offering high levels of comfort and equipment.

Available as either a three-door or a five-door, the Up! GTi comes with air conditioning, heated seat and USB connectivity as standard, along with an infotainment system and a six-speaker audio system.

Five colours are available: Tornado Red, Pure White, Dark Silver, Black Pearl and Costa Azul, while buyers can also specify their model with the option of a contrasting black roof.

The new Volkswagen Up! GTi will go on sale in the UK early in 2018, but in the meantime you can check out below how this ‘roided-up city car compares to the original MkI Golf GTi:

Volkswagen Up! GTi

Power: 113bhp

Kerb weight: 997kg

Power to weight: 113.3bhp/tonne

0-62mph: 8.8 sec

Top speed: 122mph

Volkswagen Golf GTi MkI

Power: 108bhp

Kerb weight: 810kg

Power to weight: 133.3bhp/tonne

0-62mph: 9.0 sec

Top speed: 113mph