A three-star Euro NCAP rating in 1999 was average, but with more cars achieving a five-star rating score, it’s starting to look dated. A single driver’s airbag was standard on all models, with 1.6 Sport, 1.9 TDI 110 and 1.8 20V Cupra adding passenger, side airbags and ABS. All models have strong locks; Sport and Cupra add an alarm to the standard immobiliser.

Legroom is limited (just like the old Polo on which it’s based). A lot of models are not offered with five door, which makes access to the rear difficult. Glove box is an OK size, but there are few clever storage bins or cubbies.