WHY IT WON

A 2015 facelift kept the Volkswagen Polo looking fresh and boosted its charm, and this year the German brand has added even more efficient engine options that see the supermini once again edge ahead of its rivals.

The Polo now shares VW’S 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with the smaller up! city car, but there’s also a more potent turbo version available. Even the lower-powered model is sufficient, thrumming along at motorway speeds with plenty of refinement. However, if you need a bit more oomph, the punchy and efficient 1.2 TSI engine is the one to go for.

Volkswagen released a sporty new R-line model this year to address one of the Polo’s biggest downfalls, which ensured the supermini can no longer be accused of looking a little safe or lacking style.

The R-line bodykit and bigger wheels add some extra interest to the car’s solid surfaces and sharp creases. It looks like a smaller Golf – which is no bad thing – and that’s reinforced from the moment you shut the door with a solid thunk. The cabin is very well built and feels genuinely upmarket.

There’s a wider range of petrol and diesel engines, with a larger, more powerful 1.4 TSI available. Not only is this hotter, but it also features clever tech like cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency when cruising. It shows how big-car innovations have filtered down to make superminis even easier to live with, and VW is at the head of the class. There’s a 1.4 TDI with two different outputs for those covering big miles, too.

If you’re after an eco champion, VW’S high-efficiency Bluemotion technology has been applied to the already frugal 1.0 TSI, with impressive claimed fuel economy of 68.9mpg and 94g/km CO2 emissions.

With plenty of trim levels to match the line-up under the bonnet, there’s an equipment spec to suit all budgets. And while the Polo is pricier than rivals like the Ford Fiesta, it’s certainly worth the extra outlay.