The new three-door model shares the same platform and dimensions as the five-door model and, according to VW, “benefits from the same gains in quality, space, safety and refinement made over the outgoing model.”

A sweet-looking hatch that’s ripe for modding, it will be available in four trim levels - S, SE, Moda and SEL. Prices for the S are estimated to start at around £9,400 while the top-spec SEL model will cost £14,000.

Every Polo is fitted with four airbags, ABS, ESP and hydraulic brake assist as standard. In addition, the Polo comes with a CD stereo, speed sensitive power steering and electric windows.

The SE trim level adds air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo with iPod connectivity and body-coloured door handles and mirrors.

In top-spec SEL trim the Polo is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, leather trim on the steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake, a multifunction computer and tyre pressure warning indicator.

At launch the new Polo three-door will be available with a choice of six engines, four petrol and two diesel. These are a pair of naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre engines with 60 or 70 PS and a 1.4-litre 85 PS; plus two 1.6-litre common rail TDI units producing 75 or 90 PS. A new 1.2-litre 105 PS turbocharged TSI unit will also be offered.