THE Volkswagen up! GTI has returned to sale, refreshed for 2020 as part of a significant enhancement of the whole up! range.

These range revisions include new safety equipment and new trim levels, plus the accolade of being the first model in the UK to wear the new Volkswagen badge.

More standard kit is offered including a multi-function camera with lane assist, curtain airbags and a smartphone integration cradle.

After a short hiatus, the critically-acclaimed and smallest Volkswagen GTI model makes its return. The up! GTI keeps its acclaimed 115 PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, and can complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.8 seconds.

The other petrol engine option in the up! range is the 60 PS, 1.0-litre three-cylinder power plant. Furthermore, the improved e-up! pure-electric vehicle – with a vastly increased range of 162 miles – will be available to order soon.

Change starts with the standard up!, which benefits from new, generously-equipped trim levels. The entry-level car, fitted with 15-inch ‘Fortaleza’ alloy wheels, a five-inch colour Composition screen, smartphone navigation interface and DAB radio, is now simply named up!, and is available in both three and five-door body styles.

Three-door versions are reserved for the GTI and entry-level model.

New to the up! range for 2020 is the R-Line specification. Bringing sportier features from Volkswagen’s R GmbH sub-brand, the up! R-Line has 16-inch ‘Triangle’ Black alloy wheels as standard and 17-inch ‘Polygon’ alloy wheels optionally available, while black painted roof and door mirror housings complement the sportier styling. Front fog lights sit within the bespoke R-Line bumper, while R-Line badging completes the styling package. The up! R-Line sits squatter than the standard up!, with lowered sports suspension. In addition, the high-end R-Line receives comfort features such as heated front seats alongside electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

At the top of the line-up is the GTI, which returns with 17-inch ‘Oswald’ alloy wheels, GTI badging and the hallmark ‘Jacara’ checked cloth upholstery, as well as ambient lighting. The up! GTI is available in both three- and five-door body styles.

Order books are open and the entry-level up! trim starting at £12,440.