VW Polo GTI

The Polo GTI’s light aesthetic tickle hides a considered mechanical overhaul. A smoother 190bhp 1.8 turbo replaces the whizzy old 178bhp 1.4 twin-charger, while there are chassis tweaks and a manual gearbox (previously DSG only, seven-speed paddle shifting is now an option). The result doesn’t challenge the Fiesta ST for outright fun, but this is a maturely talented hot hatch that’s comfy and broadly satisfying. Thumbs up.