A Polo really grows on you.

Byline: BILL CAVEN

THEY often say that growing up can be hard to do. Taking on extra responsibility instead of adopting a care-free existence can be quite a daunting prospect for many.

But sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and take the bull by the horns. The most recent example of this lies with Volkswagen who has just revamped its evergreen supermini, the Polo. Now in its fifth generation the one-time baby of the German automaker's range has been around now for a staggering 34 years but still somehow manages to retain a youthful exuberance. Sales of the car run into millions around the globe and probably place it near the top of the VW agenda. With orders now being taken for the latest model, Volkswagen believe they will find suitable homes for at least 7000 of them before the end of the year. And this figure will increase to just under 60,000 during the following year.

All of which makes it vital that the motor manufacturer gets it right at the first time of asking when it comes to a replacement model.

Strangely, with every new Polo since its introduction it has miraculously grown not only in stature but in overall size.

So, if this current trend continues, will the Polo eventually become a double-decker bus by the end of the century? Probably not is the answer but it still remains rather entertaining to throw in the question to some sharp-suited VW executive who happens to be lacking in the humour department.

First shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the newcomer is, indeed, larger without losing any of its chic, cheeky supermini appeal. It remains a highly manageable compact hatch that will happily negotiate its way around city streets for hours on end.

Yet at the same time it has grown sufficiently to become a more polished performer when let loose on the great outdoors. There is more confidence about its handling and ride quality, possibly borne out of the fact it is marginally wider than before.

No matter what angle you approach the new Polo from, there is simply no denying its heritage. That should not be taken as criticism as the car remains solid and good-looking, although I feel it lacks the style and flair of the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Alfa Romeo Mito.

What cannot be denied, however, is the superior build quality of the hatch, which actually belies its highly competitive starting price of just over pounds 10,000.

One of the biggest sellers is expected to be the SE version powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine delivering 70PS. Initially I have to say that I was sceptical that it would have sufficient grunt when it came to motorway motoring.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that you could spark up plenty of power by working the smooth five-speed manual gearbox.

Where this model will impress more is in terms of fuel efficiency with figures of more than 50 miles to the gallon easily achievable.

While the price tag on the SE version shot up to just under pounds 12,000 there were plenty of creature comforts and toys on board to keep you fully entertained.

The car I drove came with an optional 'smoking' pack at a cost of pounds 20 - now I know cigarettes are expensive but is Volkswagen not pushing it a little too far?

CAPTION(S):

LITTLE BIG CAR - The new Volkswagen Polo is larger but still a chic super-mini