FIVE years into the life of the Volkswagen Polo and one year away from an all-new model, the current version is managing to keep up with the field following its latest major makeover outside and in.

But inspite of a whole host of changes - more than half of its components were replaced - it is still trails behind its stable-companion, the humble Skoda Fabia, which pulled off a major coup in being the first in the VW group to get the new platform that will underpin the all-new car in 2002 and the Seat Ibiza.

For one thing it means that the ageing Polo remains a little tighter in a rear that is more suitable for two rather than three people.

That said, it’s an impressive package with VW having done some good work, although keeping up with the likes of the Toyota Yaris and Fiat Punto was never going to be easy.

The basic profile is unchanged. The front gets a fresher Golf-style look with a larger VW badge on its nose, a more prominent grille and flanked by Bora-style headlights with clear glass lenses, while the rear changes also bring it more into line with the Golf.

All-in-all it looks that bit sportier giving it a more youthful appeal, an appeal that follows through to the significantly improved quality interior where VW have really shined, putting it up there with the best. In fact the Polo’s interior now outshines its competitors putting it at the top of the supermini class.

Gone is that dull old slab-sides fascia to be replaced by a more appealing, curvaceous design with pimple-effect plastics derived from its little brother, the Lupo. Most notable are the twin speedo and rev counter instrument dials with their aluminium-look mounted surrounds, which are now, like the rest of the VW family, attractively backlit in blue at night. So restful on the eyes.

And it’s not just the Lupo that the facelifted Polo ‘steals’ from – big brother the Golf also contributes with beautifully damped grab handles and chromed interior door openers. Pity, however, about the irritating heating and ventilation controls which are set too low down and can be awkward to reach.

Standard equipment includes driver and passenger airbags, radio cassette, split folding rear seat, electric mirrors, tinted glass and colour co-ordinated door mirrors and bumpers. The Comfortline spec, which was added to our test version, included electric front windows, central locking, floor mats, 14-inch wheels and front fog lights. Optional features are antilock braking and alloy wheels.

The firm and well-shaped seats offer good comfort and there’s good head and legroom up front.

The cockpit not only looks good and works efficiently but also provides a comfortable driving environment with good head and leg room and firm, well-shaped seats. The adequate-sized boot remains unchanged.
And, like the Golf, it’s all wrapped in a fully galvanised stiffened body. Which means a safer drive and a much quieter cabin.

And if all that revamping wasn’t enough just get a load of the new Lupo-sourced 1.4 litre direct injection, three-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This is the real star of the range providing strong performance and economy.

With an impressive 74bhp at 4000rpm together with 144lb ft of torque at just 2200rpm and a kerbweight of 949kg this car fairly nips along. It does the 0 to 62mph in a claimed 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 106mph. We returned an impressive 49.5mpg compared to the Euro average of 64.2mpg. But then I’m sure I wasn’t treating it as kindly.

This refined engine has good mid-range urge and pulls well even in the higher gears. The diesel ‘clatter’ is barely audible when starting from cold becoming quieter and more refined as it gathers speed.

In the drive for better straightline stability the front MacPherson struts suspension now has a 20mm wider track, and new strut mountings are designed to improve refinement and handling.

The steering feels light, maybe a little too light, and gearchanging a little notchy.

A clever revamp from VW. Looks, interior and drive will comfortably see it keeping up with the opposition. And a delight in 1.4 litre TDi form. Only other problem is that it can be quite costly.