Following hot on the heels of the standard sixth-generation Polo, the new GTI enters into a flourishing segment and goes against the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST and Hyundai i20N.

The GTI incorporates a range of styling tweaks to help differentiate it from the standard Polo. Red highlights - a GTI trademark - run the length of the front grille, while an illuminated bar across the front of the radiator grille gives it a particularly striking look at night. 

In terms of powertrain, the GTI is much the same as the car it replaces. The same 204bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is used again, sending power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen claims a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds. 

The chassis has also been tweaked to give sharper handling, with the GTI riding 15mm lower than the standard Polo. 

Inside you’ll find red stitching and a leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as a variety of titanium black-coloured trim pieces. Those after a more powerful sound system can upgrade to a Beats audio setup, too. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come fitted as standard alongside voice control and a full digital cockpit setup. 

Volkswagen is expected to reveal full UK pricing for the Polo GTI soon, but expect a slight increase on the outgoing model’s £24,000 starting price.