THE Volkswagen Polo has always been the classy act of the supermini stage, with its well-built cabin and a refined ride that puts many bigger cars to shame.
Space inside is pretty good, while running costs have always been low thanks to the Polo's cheap repair costs and some really frugal engines.
Rivals haven't been asleep, of course, and many of the latest offerings from the likes of Nissan (the Micra), Citroen (the C3), Honda (the Jazz) and Toyota (the Yaris) push the Polo fairly hard for customers' hard-earned cash.
And don't forget the sector also includes the MINI, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda Fabia, Fiat Punto and Peugeot 206. Lots of competition.
Ever since man first created the internal combustion engine, attempts have been made to improve it - searching for maximum power, better economy and environmental friendliness.
Volkswagen has always been at the forefront of this research, and one of its greatest successes was its re-interpretation of the diesel engine.
The German car-maker's TDI breakthrough has revolutionised the whole business of oil burning for the car-buying public.
Now, using the same technology used for diesel superiority, VW has turned its attention to conventionally driven cars, with the introduction of direct injection petrol technology to the Polo.
The FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) system is VW's solution to increasing power, while at the same time providing better fuel efficiency and fewer damaging emissions.
Injecting petrol directly into the combustion chamber, controlling precisely the quantity and fuel spray pattern, gives - says VW - a 15pc improvement in consumption above normal fuel injection engines of similar power.
The test car, in SE trim, certainly seemed frisky enough. Developing 85bhp, there was definitely more urge in the 0-62mph dash (12.1 seconds compared to 14.5 from its 1.4-litre stablemate). Fuel economy at a combined 47.9mpg was about 5mpg better.
Another bonus for the green-minded is that a special catalytic converter means more efficient exhaust treatment of oxides of nitrogen. In addition, VW points out that buyers can look forward to even better fuel economy as sulphur-free petrol is gradually phased into the UK this year.
Two Polo models carry the FSI badge - the 1.4-litre SE and Sport. The test car was the five-door SE version.
All Polos come with ABS, central locking, four airbags, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, immobiliser and a three-year/ 60,000-mile warranty. The SE also gets front electric windows, front seat height adjustment, air con and a split-folding rear seat which increases boot space. Extras on the test car were a dash-mounted CD autochanger (£395) and 14-inch alloys with anti-theft bolts (£400).
The engine is highly responsive. It is sweet and strong and offers effortless overtaking. It handles well and feels agile and stable around corners - allowing the driver to make the most of the Polo's fun to drive factor. The gearchange is precise which, combined with a light clutch, adds to a safe drive.
Overall, the FSI model is a comfy, well kitted out car. The cabin is functional rather than classy, but driving miles and miles in a Polo is always going to be a pleasure.
- Alistair Coull
IT'S billed as the new tough Polo - and that's exactly what it feels like: robust, sturdy and well able to stand the pace.
It offers the kind of peace of mind you want in terms of safety and security, but don't really expect to get from a small runabout.
The latest Polo is neat and stylish enough to grace the frontage of the Savoy, at the same time it is sufficiently rugged to cope with most of the demands placed upon it from a wide range of customers, be they single, married, young - or older but young-at-heart.
This no-compromise German favourite can also boast some fairly impressive technical wizardry that puts it streets ahead of a good number of its rivals.
Like its predecessor, the new generation Polo has a bootful of street cred.
It doesn't quite match up to the allure of the Golf, admittedly, but it still oozes quality from every corner - from the neat recessed front heads to the tiniest interior touches.
This kind of detail never fails to impress and it is difficult not to be seduced by Volkswagen's build quality, though this isn't the only area in which the Polo excels.
Sensing my aversion to three-door cars, Volkswagen had sent a five-door model of the SE FSI 1.4 85 PS Polo for test which proved to be surprisingly spacious.
It is not a lot bigger than its forerunner - 54mm longer, 18mm wider and 47mm taller - yet somehow the designers have managed to produce an interior which feels a good deal larger. This is probably achieved by the increase in roof height.
The interior is ultra-modern, but you can't help feeling that the designers could have been a little more adventurous with colour and furnishings. Though for me, a minimalist look, even to the point of drabness, is OK.
Introduction of the 1.4-litre, 85 PS FSI engine to the Polo range marks the first use of new direct-injection petrol technology by Volkswagen in the UK market. Compared with other engines, the direct petrol injection unit can provide an improvement of around 15pc on fuel consumption and helps provide the healthy, official combined figure of 48mpg. Urban runs will return about 36.2mpg, while 59mpg is quoted in "economy" mode.
The engine is athletic and smooth and a carbon dioxide emission rate of just 142 g/km puts the FSI model in the lowest company tax bracket.
The light, power steering makes driving a relaxed affair, even in the urban jungle - though there are times when it is a little little woolly. However, the German supermini handles very well, the suspension absorbs most road irregularities within reason and the ride is wonderfully supportive, without being too firm.
The Polo isn't a dream design, but it has a lot of road presence and it fulfils a lot of requirements for a broad range of people.
It's altogether a very refined car and with a reputation for excellent resale values, the Polo still takes a lot of beating. In addition to offering a three-year mechanical warranty, the Polo also comes with a class-leading 12-year body protection guarantee.
- Val Jessop
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Polo 1.4 FSI 5-dr
Price: £11,520
Mechanical: 85bhp, 1,390cc 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 12.1secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 142g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint