The real deal

The first thing that must be said is that this is no motor show lash-up. Peer in out-of-the-way places, such as under the bonnet and around the inner door frames, and you can see it's been finished to VW production standards.

The panel gaps are as tight and regular as on any showroom VW, and the package has been brilliantly thought out.

There are large luggage spaces in the nose and behind the mid-mounted engine, and the cabin is roomy enough for a couple of tall adults.

The mid-engined platform has been specially devised for the car, but the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and brakes have been pillaged from production VWs.