VOLKSWAGEN has launched a 100bhp hot-hatch version of the Polo. Powered by a 16 valve 1.4 litre engine the car can reach 117mph and sprint to 60mph from rest in 10.5 seconds. Priced at £11,955 on the road for the three door and £12,415 for the five door, the car has an impressive equipment list.

Standard features include driver's airbag, alloy wheels, electric front windows, central locking, heated/ electrically adjustable mirrors, manual sunroof, engine immobiliser, tailgate rear spoiler, height adjustable steering column, front seat height adjustment, Sony stereo radio/ cassette, front and rear head restraints and a pollen filter.

Options include air conditioning, passenger airbag, ABS brakes and more. There is an open air option too in the shape of a £565 full length, electrically folding fabric sunroof. The engine features twin overhead camshafts and multi-point injection and makes use of Volkswagen's variable intake manifold geometry.