We review the Volkswagen Polo from price to economy and all its features

AN ex-girlfriend of mine owned a VW Polo.

The paint was faded, it was covered in scrapes and had mismatching wing mirrors thanks to drunken students playing Bruce Lee on their way home.

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It was a sorry sight. But it never caused a fuss and cost pennies to keep on the road.

While that relationship's ancient history, VW Polo is still the workhorse of the super-mini world. A vehicle that can miraculously swallow an entire family and their bags, yet is comfortable enough to tackle long motorway journeys — despite its diminutive exterior.

The latest model still does all those things, but even better.

The Polo I enjoyed for a week was the new 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol version, which develops 94bhp and can, at a push, return a whopping 70mpg on the combined cycle.

It is badged BlueMotion like older models, but rather than an agricultural diesel, the plucky Polo's new turbo petrol means it can be fun and frugal.

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The new engine suits this little car down to the ground. But I know what you will say: "Surely a turbo-charged petrol engine can't really be cheap to run."

That's what I thought. But after a few days of solid driving, including some twisty blasts and boring motorway slogs, I still managed to get between 50 and 60mpg. Impressive.

Better still, the engine was whisper-quiet at all times.

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The manual gearbox is also a nice touch, while the turbocharger means there is enough poke for overtaking manoeuvres.

There are definitely more comfortable motorway missiles but none that could squeeze into minuscule city centre parking spaces.

The modern Polo has also undergone some serious styling changes. Its front end is almost identical to its stylish big brother, the Golf. The dash and interior is also top-notch. Well constructed, easy to use and practical.

Models comes with a touchscreen infotainment system and DAB radio, plus cruise control.

There is also plenty of space inside, with enough room for two adults in the back and a 280-litre boot that extends to 952-litres with the rear seats folded flat.