The Volkswagen Polo GTI is fast, comfortable and mature. It seems well built and the sporty styling touches are restrained enough for the most part that you don’t feel like you’re making an exhibition of yourself while still attracting approving glances from people in the know.

We have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who wants a small car that’s effortlessly rapid and doesn’t demand you make excuses to your passengers whenever the road surface gets a little rougher. As a daily driver without major compromises, no other supermini-sized hot hatch comes close.

However, both the Ford Fiesta ST and the Hyundai i20 N are more fun for enthusiastic drivers. So consider your priorities carefully before heading to the VW dealer.

What we like

The Polo GTI is more rounded in character than any rival while giving away nothing when it comes to raw performance. The DSG transmission and adaptive suspension make it easy to live with, and it comes with plenty of standard kit.

What we don’t like

Competitors are more composed at higher speeds as well as more agile and engaging to drive. Far too many touch-sensitive controls in place of proper buttons.

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