THE VW Polo SE 1.2 is testament to the fact you do not have to rough it with a modern city car.

For little more than £12,000 you can enjoy a refined, rewarding and really satisfying sophisticated small car.

Now in its fifth generation since 1976, the newest Polo is probably closer to its origins than many realise.

Embodying lightweight design, state of the art engines and a good equipment level, it can give many bigger cars a run for their money.

For more than 34 years the Polo has gradually grown in size and today's version is close to the original Golf.

The current Polo line-up runs to more than 30 models in three and five doors, but you pay approximately £600 more for the extra doors. The range runs from £9,790 to £15,740.

The Polo SE 1.2 has been introduced after the original launch models last year and is a welcome addition in a range which runs to 24 versions.

The sweet three-cylinder 1.2 engine has a very willing nature and it's not generally fussy or noisy unless it's pushed around the rev band. The power comes immediately and you find the need to change gear is just as quick as speed builds.

The light clutch and direct gearchange make light work of the task and there is adequate punch to keep up with traffic and to overtake in most situations.

Matching this is a surprisingly good braking system where modest pedal effort brings about strong deceleration and there is a good feel through the foot.

The steering is also very progressive and it is ideally suited to urban situations where you have little room to turn or park but it is not too twitchy on more open roads.

Secondary switches are close to hand, with gauges directly infront of the driver and backed up by a multitude of warning lights.

The controls for standard air conditioning are straightforward and the system works well.

Electronic stability control is fitted as standard and this gives it an edge over some competitors which charge extra for what is generally considered an essential on today's cars. There are plenty of airbags to cushion you around the cabin if the worst happens.

There is plenty of room to put the usual journey items you pack or pick up along the way and the boot starts off with a capacity of 280 litres but rises with seats folded to 952 litres, although that is a smaller maximum space than in the former series.

Where the new model gains over the predecessor is the greater amount of passenger space, so you have a better journey even if you take less.

Access is good, the seats in front adjust well and are comfortable, but it's best when used by four and it's a squeeze in the back if it rises to five. Five doors are much more practical than three.

Many will like the visibility through the windows thanks to the low waistline, good efficient wipers and bright headlights. Rear parking sensors come as a joint option along with cruise control, which to me seems a strange combination.

Handling is entirely safe and predictable with good levels of grip thanks to the stability control, little body roll and a well sorted chassis and only the road noise is likely to be noticed as wind and mechanical noises are low.

It has good acceleration from rest and feels faster than it is measured against the clock.

The Polo cruises very easily and quietly on the motorway and economy is very good without having to make a conscious effort to drive with a light foot.