Standard equipment includes an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System that automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision in order to minimise the likelihood or consequences of a second impact.

Other safety systems offered as options include Driver Alert System and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Automatic Cruise Control. Also available: a Sport Select suspension set-up that uses electronically controlled dampers to switch between two suspension settings.

Inside, there’s a new infotainment system borrowed from the Golf, which includes and advanced smartphone-style touch screen. The interior upgrade is completed with redesigned instruments steering wheels and centre consoles.

For all the under-the-skin updates, though, even the most devoted car spotter will have difficulty telling the old and new Polos apart. Changes are restricted mainly to subtle mods to the grille, bumpers and tail-lights, and there are optional LED headlamps and new alloy wheel designs.

The revised Polo arrives in the UK in July and further details of the range will be available when UK order books open in April.