IT’S ALL GROWN UP

In size, safety and sophistication, the first new Polo in eight years has matured

autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a rear camera hidden behind the VW badge on the tailgate, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in an eight-inch hi-res touchscreen, cruise control, leather steering wheel, digital speed display, two USB charging ports and height adjustment for both front seats.

The $22,990 drive-away Trendline gains 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, front centre armrest and map lights.

The $23,990 drive-away Launch Edition gains 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, front fog lights, LED tail-lights and wireless phone charging.

The new Polo earns a five-star safety rating when measured against the latest criteria and VW has also made advanced safety available in a $1400 option pack. The extra tech includes radar cruise control with automatic stop-and-go in traffic, blind zone warning and rear cross traffic alert.

Its “manoeuvre braking” function will automatically slam on the brakes when driving in forward or reverse up to 10km/h, such as in car parks. A pleasant surprise in an industry increasingly fitting space-saver spares: the new Polo comes with a full-size spare on a 15-inch steel rim.

Less welcome news for buyers on a budget: the new Polo — as with other VWs, most European cars and some class rivals — still requires at least 95 RON premium unleaded. In return, though, the miserly fuel consumption ratings are between 4.8L and 5.1L/100km.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre may be smaller in capacity and have three cylinders rather than the previous engine’s four but it punches above its weight.