Volkswagen Polo

This quick Polo is a Golf GTi look-a-like, with a honeycomb grille, subtle GTi branding and racy red trim inside. Sadly it doesn't quite live up to its racy name on the road, where it doesn't as feel quick or sharp as rival hot hatches like the Renault Clio 197 or MINI Cooper. But it's better to drive once it gets going, where it overtakes with ease and has plenty of turbo-boosted power in reserve. It's a good car to own: stylish, affordable to run and even practical, but it falls short of being a great one.

GTI

Every Polo GTi has: a honeycomb front grille, twin tail pipes; red brake calipers; 15 mm lowered suspension, 16-inch versions of the Golf GTI alloy wheel, ABS, brake assist, and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), dual front airbags, front side airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking with alarm, electric windows and mirrors and a radio/CD player.

1.8 GTI