There’s an art in making a car feel bigger than it really is – one such light car is Volkswagen’s five-door Polo hatch. The sixth-generation Polo has always been a cut above in the light car class but at premium price. Last August Volkswagen Australia launched a new premium model, the Polo Style  – at $24,990, said to add $2,200 to the Polo Comfortline but providing around $4,000 in extras. All Polo’s feature 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder engines – the excellent 85kW unit in the Style model offers nice torque – linked to a 7-speed DSG automatic it’s a high point, economical too, I managed 5.6L/100 but it does require 95 Ron fuel. Steering response is smooth and combined with a great ride quality also gives Polo Style a much bigger feel than it really it.

The DSG auto or direct dual-clutch auto is a lot sharper than DSG’s of old. Manual shift paddles however mean you can sharpen up changes when required. Polo Style has a stack of features like a rear view camera; a top-quality Beats sound system and an Active Info digital instrument cluster – its clever with a host of applications. Good boot space and above average rear seat space deserve mention as does the Warranty – VW’s five year unlimited cover although service costs can get expensive. But overall a city car with lot of polish.

I’m David Berthon

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