VOLKSWAGEN'S big-selling Polo has been around for decades and the sixth generation of the brand's supermini will cost from £13,885 when it arrives in the UK.

The Polo has notched up more than 14 million sales worldwide and is now being offered in five-door only form and in seven trim levels including a hot GTI model.

VW says the main focus of the new Polo is a major increase in cabin and luggage space within larger external dimensions alongside the debut of new engines, sharper design, new assistance systems, the application of a new generation of infotainment systems and the global debut of the second generation of Volkswagen's Active Info Display.

The developments in the Polo - which has found a home with more than 1.4 million drivers in the UK over the last 42 years - also sees technologies such as city emergency braking with a new pedestrian monitoring function, adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection improve safety.

The latest Polo has new underpinnings plus more dynamic proportions with a longer wheelbase, short body overhangs and the new car is longer, wider, has a lower overall height but improved headroom compared to its predecessor.

Bigger in every dimension but length than the Golf Mk IV - sold here until 2003 - the new Polo has a boot volume that has grown 25 per cent from 280 litres to 351 litres and a wheelbase up by 94 mm compared with that of the previous car.

The latest Polo comes with the choice of six three and four-cylinder petrol engines, ranging from the naturally aspirated 1.0 MPI with 65bhp to the turbocharged 2.0 TSI with 200bhp

As a diesel, the Polo will offer a choice of two 1.6 TDI engines whose outputs are 80bhp and 95bhp.

All new Polo engines are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode, while any of the TSI and TDI power plants with an output of 95bhp or more can be configured with a six or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, depending on engine choice.

Alternative gearbox options include five- or six-speed manuals.

The new Polo offers standard and optional gear such as front assist, blind spot detection with rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and stop and go function.

New LED headlights replace all xenon headlights on the sixth generation Polo while LED daytime running lights are also available for the new car.