Gently does it

VW has always had a penchant for understated elegance and this latest Polo is no exception, with its crisp lines, subtle curves and hint of muscular toning around the wheel arches.

Smoothly integrated colour-keyed bumpers, flush-fit headlights and the latest slim-lipped VW grille finish off the carefully measured visual treatment.

In fact, the overall appearance is so understated that it's difficult to believe it came from the pen of Mr de Silva, especially considering his love of brassy in-your-face frontal adornments.

Remember, this is the fella who's responsible for giving Alfa Romeo, Audi and Seat their brash, larger-than-life corporate grilles.