Volkswagen’s new Polo GTI is a big step up from the car it replaces, and not just because it is no longer hampered by the supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre engine and DSG-only gearbox.

The Polo GTI is powered by VW’s 1.8-litre TSi turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the out going model’s turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre motor. It produces 189bhp at 4200rpm ...