The cabin sets a new benchmark in terms of interior comfort. The seats are supportive and well sculpted and the driving position can be tweaked via two steering wheel adjustments. The comfort levels are reflected in the ride, which is silky smooth over bumps with soft suspension to absorb the worst the UK roads can throw at it. It's also very refined inside the cabin, with little wind and engine noise to disturb you and a classic, understated design for the dash and instruments. Four people can easily fit inside, and despite its diminutive stature the Polo can easily swallow their luggage in the boot.

First up is a compact 1.2 litre 60 PS petrol that delivers an economical 48mpg combined. That's followed by a 70PS 1.2 litre and a punchy 1.4 litre 80PS with a top speed of 108mph. Diesel options include a pair of 1.4 litres with 70PS or 80PS that are fiercely economical at 62mpg. At the top end of the scale is a 1.8 litre 150PS petrol unit that charges the Polo from 0 - 62mph in 8 seconds and produces 220Nm of torque at just 1950rpm.

Base trim Volkswagen Polo E models have front airbags, an engine immobiliser and anti lock brakes as standard, plus central locking and a CD stereo system. Ascend the trim scale and lots of other goodies put in an appearance, from foglights and low front suspension to alloy wheels and all electric windows.