Meet The Owner - Sarah Harrington-James and her Lupo GTi

I've always been a petrol-head. As a teenager I was obsessed with TVRs, the British Touring Car Championship oh, and hot hatches. I used to subscribe to BBC Top Gear Magazine, and it was here that I read a short article about future classics and the journalist could do nothing but praise the Volkswagen Lupo GTI. At the time I was breaking down a lot in a Peugeot 106 GTI and was keen on trying out some German technology. A local VW dealer knew they were onto a good thing and seemed to all but stock second-hand Lupo GTIs - and once I drove my early Moon Silver, 2001 5-speed model, I was smitten. Kojak, as he was quickly named, became mine on my birthday in 2005 and I haven't looked back since!

Funnily enough, I pursued a career in motoring journalism and Kojak became a 'staff car' in GOLF+ magazine, as my daily driver. Although 125bhp as standard is a decent amount in a car that weighs barely a tonne, I looked to some subtle engine and suspension tweaks to hone the little Volkswagen further. Over 6 years, Kojak had uprated springs and shocks, brakes, air filter and a remap to almost 150bhp. The 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine is solid and could take this power boost easily. Of course, there's no point in upgrading a car and then not playing with it so I took Kojak to Brands Hatch a few times for some track day tuition with a racing instructor. A few stints at Santa Pod as part of 'Run Whatcha Brung', too!

Did I ever envisage owning a car for almost 20 years? No, but I'm pleased I never sold Kojak as I know I'd regret it; the VW Lupo GTI is a sought-after rare car with only 799 left in the UK. Now no longer my daily driver, I get to as many VW shows as I can each year and show him off with pride. Sometimes people remember him being featured in GOLF+... and that always brings a smile to my face.