Volkswagen Polo

THOUGH there are many similarities to the old model in the way the new Polo looks, Volkswagen claims it is 80% new - at least in hatchback form, as the estate and saloon receive only detail changes. Though the hatchback's outline shape is similar to the old car's, the extensive facelift, with a new front end incorporating lamps with 'clear' lenses, revised bumper and new bonnet, brings the Polo's 'face' into line with newer models in the range, while the rear bumper and tailgate together with revised side trims update the rest of the car.

Inside, a sharp new dash reminiscent of the Lupo's makes the most of some fine quality materials: the dash is topped with an appealing tactile soft-touch plastic, and the instruments are illuminated in Volkswagen's hallmark blue. The styling changes have freshened what was beginning to become dated, and with a new dash and restyled interior complementing best-in-class quality, the Polo is now up with the top superminis.

The new Polo ushers in four new engines: two of these have transferred from other Volkswagen models - the 1.4 16v 75bhp unit already available in the Lupo and Golf, and the 64bhp 1.9 SDI diesel previously offered only in the saloon and estate. The others are a brand new 125bhp 16v 1.6 for the GTI and a technically advanced 75bhp 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI - the model tested here - which uses the latest pumpe duse injection technology, giving a total of five petrol and two diesel engines in the hatchback.

Initially, the 1.4 TDI is available in three- and five-door SE trim only, priced from ú12,620 on the road for the three-door to ú13,085 for the five-door. Volkswagen may, however, increase the number of trim levels available with the 1.4-litre TDI engine once sales patterns for the new model have settled down.