In addition to a four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating, the Polo GTI gets a decent amount of safety kit. There’s dual front and side airbags, ABS and an electronic stability programme called ESP. Security-wise there’s an alarm, remote central locking and an immobiliser.

It may be almost a hot hatch, but it’s no less practical than the standard model, which is pretty good for its class. That means a roomy interior along with a good-sized boot that is capable of carrying a decent shopping trip. It misses out on special folding seats and the added flexibility that’s available on cars like the Honda Jazz or latest Toyota Yaris, but the seats fold to increase the load area and there are numerous cubby holes, a large glovebox, and a bin under the front passenger seat base.