Priced at R210 000, the 1.6 TDI has just about all the luxuries you’d expect from a vehicle in this class, including automatic air conditioning, electric windows and side mirrors, power steering and a radio/CD player that is compatible with an iPod.

(Note: Prices accurate in June 2010)
 

The Polo’s 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine has almost as much vooma as its predecessor’s 1.9-litre engine, but you won’t have to stop for fuel as often.
 

The new Polo was designed by Walter de’Silva, who has designed a few Audis and Lamborghinis in the past. Apparently he’s a fan of the “less is more” doctrine, so the controls on the instrument panel are simple and easy to use.

All new Polos have a steering wheel that is adjustable vertically and horizontally, and if you lightly tap the turn indicator stalk, the indicator flashes only three times – convenient if you’re overtaking.
All Comfortline models (more luxurious than the Trend­line) have a vanity mirror and a refrigerated cubby­hole that can keep three cans of cooldrink cold.

Speaking of drinks holders: Volkswagen has done away with that silly cup holder that pops out of the dashboard like something from Star Wars. The new Polo’s cup holders are two simple moulded receptacles in front of the gear lever.
 

Volkswagen says the new Polo has more legroom than its pre­decessor, and as long as you don’t have Victor Matfield in the front, two adults should fit comfortably in the back.

For a hatchback, the boot is surprisingly deep and roomy. It has a 280-litre capacity – that’s more than three big, chock-full hiking backpacks. And if you fold down the back seats, you can fit in even more.
 

Like its predecessor, the new Polo handles like a big car. It’s well insulated and you hear very little wind and road noise, and it offers a stable, smooth ride.
The gear lever has that springy feel and precise action typical of a Volkswagen. It’s a pleasure to change gears.

When you pull away, however, you need to step on the pedal a bit harder than you would in another car, because under 1 500 rpm there isn’t much power and it’s easy to stall the engine. Fortunately the power issue isn’t a problem once you’ve picked up speed.
 

All the new Polos have front and side air bags, but if you want curtain air bags for the passengers in the back you need to pay an extra R2 650.

The TDI is the only Polo in the range that comes standard with electronic stability control (this prevents the wheels from losing grip on a slippery surface). It also comes with electronic brake distribution, which distributes braking power equally to all four wheels to keep the car going straight if you have to brake hard.

Volkswagen has rebranded the old shape as the Polo Vivo, which sells for up to R43 000 less than the cheapest new Polos. But the Vivo isn’t available with a diesel engine.