PoloDriver

Here’s a nice surprise for a Friday afternoon. After its initial launch in Germany late last year, the Polo R Line is now available for UK customers. Not to be confused with the much-rumoured, high-performance Polo R, the R Line brings style to the impressive specification of the popular Polo Match. A unique ‘R’ styling pack with deeper front and rear bumpers, gloss black radiator grille, deeper side sills, and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels gives the Polo more visual presence, while dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar back and front fog lights with cornering function add yet more optical punch.

The interior builds on the sports-orientated look of the exterior, with aluminium sill plates, sports seats with unique ‘Kyalami’ upholstery and embossed ‘R’ logos. A leather-trimmed three-spoke sports steering wheel with ‘R’ logo, and aluminium race-look pedals and black headlining complete the interior makeover. Equipment highlights include an RCD 310 radio/CD player with six speakers and multi-device/iPod interface, ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, a multifunction trip computer, electric windows, height-adjustable front seats, a split-folding rear-seat backrest, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights, tyre pressure monitor and remote central locking.

Available with one engine, the Polo R Line is powered by the turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI unit with 104bhp, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance is a little off GTI pace, with 62mph coming up in 9.7 seconds from rest, and a top speed of 118mph, but fuel consumption is a very respectable 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, while emissions are a low 124g/km. How much for the unique Polo R Line style? Prices start at £15,195 on the road for the three-door model, rising to £15,815 for the five-door. The striking Polo R Line is available to order at Volkswagen Retailers now, with the first deliveries expected in July.