Volkswagen Polo beats (CORR) 1.0 TSI (Price, as tested, £19,400)

WHAT IS IT:

THE Polo 'beats' is a limited edition of the hugely popular hatch.

With a neat bodykit, banging stereo system, oh and a body stripe it's a car to be both seen and heard in.

ON THE ROAD:

THE 1.0 litre engine in our test car is an absolute peach. It may appear underpowered at first glance, but looks can be deceiving. With around 95bhp on tap, it's a hoot around town and holds its own on the open road as well. It's mated to a five-speed gearbox that moves neatly around the gate.

The Polo offers a comfortable ride and its short, squat proportions make it a nimble mover.

ON THE INSIDE:

VOLKSWAGEN know how to design interiors and the Polo is no exception. For a small car, some way down the food chain it nevertheless has an air of quality. Everything from the feel of the steering wheel to the layout of the dials to the comfort of the seating makes this a nice environment in which to sit. I particularly like the understated simplicity of everything. OK, this car has a few extra aesthetic touches, such as the red trim around the fascia, but it's not in your face or over the top. The touchscreen which controls the majority of functions, including the

WHAT DO YOU GET:

YOU get plenty of kit with the Polo. Included on our car were 16ins alloys, black radiator grille with chrome trimmed louvre, halogen clear headlights with separate LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, heat insulating tinted glass, unique 'beats' badging, front sports seats, upholstery in 'Tracks 2' cloth, 'beats' door sill protectors, velvet red trim in dash and centre console, air vents with high gloss black trim, centre console with open storage department, leather-trimmed three spoke multi-function steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip, storage under driver's and front passenger's seats and split folding rear seat backrest 60:40. Options included adaptive cruise control, PreCrash preventative occupant protection, Winter pack, front centre armrest, parking sensors.

HOW PRACTICAL IS IT?

RUNNING COSTS:

VOLKSWAGEN say the Polo beats should be capable of returning 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. I managed a highly creditable 61.4mpg. CO2 emissions 103g/km.

VERDICT:

FUN, functional and with added flair

ALTERNATIVES:

FORD Fiesta, Toyota Yaris