Polo offers a wide choice of engines: 1.0, 1.4, 1.4 16v and 1.6 petrol units, plus 1.4 TDI PD turbo-diesel and 1.9 SDi normally aspirated diesel units. Saloons and estates also fit a 1.9 TDi turbo-diesel in 90 bhp or 110 bhp form. The 1.0 petrol only has 50 bhp, but the 1.6 GTi pushes out 125 bhp. We’d go for the 16v 1.4 petrol or 1.4 TDi diesel. Both are nippy enough to be fun, and economical too.

Easy to drive and the ride feels plush for a small car. Downside is the bodyroll in corners. Power steering is over-light for some people.