When a friend of mine told me that his girlfriend's Volkswagen Lupo was coming to him in front of the bar, I knew right away that I had to introduce it to you. In the end, this Lupo surprised even me. Although I had previously driven a few kilometers with the 3L variant, I wasn't that enthusiastic about the drive at the time, but more about the car itself due to its dimensions. In my youth, I only knew Lupo from one very simple computer game, we didn't play many of them. The name does not refer to the need for a magnifying glass to view the car, but is the Italian name for a wolf. This is a reference to the city of Wolfsburg , home of the VW car company.
This little thing was produced from 1998 until 2005, when it was replaced by the Brazilian Volkswagen Fox . The originally smallest VW Polo gradually grew to such dimensions that another basic model could fit under it. Volkswagen thus proceeded to modify and rebrand the Seat Aros , a year older, built on the shortened A00 platform. Both of you could only have three- doors, and they played the role of minivans for the city. Production took place in Wolfsburg and Brussels . In 2001, it was time for a facelift. There were two levels of equipment to choose from, basic E models and better S models, which received painted mirrors and door handles, central locking, electric front and folding rear windows. Enthusiasts were also treated to a GTI version with a 1.6 engine, which was revealed at first glance by the fully painted bumpers and double exhaust tip. In 2002, the GTI was introduced with a six-speed gearbox, bi-xenon headlights and fifteen-inch wheels. The sports model reached 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and could reach 204 km/h.
But let's return to the ground to the version S 1.4 16V with a power of 55 kW, which we have the opportunity to test. Yes, she is small, very small in fact, and you still have a compelling need to ask the owner from which Kinder eggs were built for her. But it tries to look like a more mature Polo , it has balanced proportions and a hood strictly separated from the passenger cabin. This makes it feel like a small grown-up car and not like a stuffed candy. Although of course it's a bit cute, especially thanks to the four circular headlights . This look was later borrowed from Lupo by the larger Polo and I came to like the look. As a lover of the first two generations of the Golf , I simply have to naturally like all cars with four round headlights. Otherwise, it is fair to note that the vehicle is on a height-adjustable chassis, which is why it squats so beautifully on the ground.
But when you get on board, you simply don't feel inferior. Volkswagen produced it at the time when it was at the peak of its power, so it created a full-sized car that has only small dimensions. The doors are long – when you open both and stand in front of the car, its width is almost three times wider. But thanks to this, it is also great to get into the back. The driver and passenger sit down perfectly comfortably and do not feel deprived in the car. The rear bench has very limited legroom, so you have to rely on the consideration of the front passengers. But there is enough headroom even for tall people. In an emergency, you can take three friends even without the help of Mydlára's executioner. And that's not obvious even today with urban superminis. Up front, you feel like you're sitting in the middle of the car. For example, when you look back while reversing, you have the impression that you can easily touch the rear glass. And with a vertical rear wall , it is clear where your car ends, which will significantly improve maneuvering in the city. The interior is of high quality and precisely fitted. It's easy to tell that you're sitting in a Volkswagen, don't expect any excesses here. Everything fits, everything works, and even after years, nothing rattles or rattles.
The luggage compartment will certainly discourage you from pre-Christmas shopping, because you will fill it with two packages of drinks at once. But it doesn't matter, none of the owners bought this car because of the liters in the trunk, and Volkswagen knew that well. And if the thought of a rear end scares you, then know that the thickness of the castle at the lower loading edge is greater than that of today's city bikes. Even the tiny Lupo had gas struts at the engine hood, which makes opening it much more pleasant. The engine compartment is quite full for the 1400, one hardly understands how the engineers stuffed a bigger unit in there. And if you want to refuel, you will probably be surprised by the non-screwing cap of the tank . It just pulls out.
As I indicated at the beginning, the main trump card of Lupa was the driving characteristics . Of course, the previously mentioned chassis had a lot of influence. But for that, a lively and sufficiently powerful engine for the weight and wheels in the corners of the body are simply basic good ingredients. And indeed, when Lupe and I got a little groggy , we headed out of town. Throttle, triple and pedal to the floor and hurray for the next corner. And really briskly, because the reaction to the gas is immediate in the 1400 and the engine can be willingly revved to the red field. I was a bit worried at first, but it was nothing, because the worn-in but wide tires worked very well on dry asphalt. Precise driving in the selected track resembled a go-kart. Even the side tilts are minimal, but they are there, because in the extreme case, the rubber troubled the plastic chassis. But driving this motorized mouse is highly addictive and I can definitely imagine having a Lupo in my garage.
Actually why not? It is a small city car that will perfectly fulfill the role of the second car in the family. You can buy it for your girlfriend or wife and she will be happy because it is quite nice and drives well. And then you just always steal it from her in the morning and leave her the keys to the family ship so you can have fun on the way to work. Or you can try to tell her that you're lending her the safer, bigger car for her own good, but if she's also into cars, she'll see through that lie soon enough.
Finally, we will ask the owner a few questions:
Why did you choose this particular car, was it your long-term dream or a momentary decision?
It was a long time dream of my friend.
How hard was this car to get?
It was a coincidence, a friend was selling a car for his girlfriend and so the opportunity to own it arose.
How do you live with the car in normal traffic? And do you have it for pleasure or for daily use?
In normal operation, it is practical for parking. There are certain pitfalls in the lowered sports chassis. But it's fun for the daily commute, but not for longer distances.
What was the most interesting experience with your car?
When I hit an oncoming vehicle with a mirror .
Are you planning any modifications or repairs on it?
We want to darken the rear windows with foil, and in the future, if we keep it, a stronger engine and brakes .
What is your biggest motoring dream?
BMW X6.
