It may not look like a Volkswagen on first appearance, but the new fifth generation Polo Hatchback which has just arrived in Bermuda certainly handles like one when you get behind the wheel.

Taking out the sleek and stylish Class E model for a test drive with HWP Group's automotive division sales manager Craig Earls along the North Shore gave me a chance to put the car through its paces - and it certainly didn't disappoint.

The most striking feature of the new Polo, which costs $36,000 (subject to change per shipment) and runs off a 1.4-litre fuel injected engine, is the trendy aerodynamic design, making it look more like an Audi or BMW than a Volkswagen, particularly in the headlight department.

Stepping inside, the first impression, though, is that, having driven older models of Volkswagen in the past, you are firmly back in the familiar territory of efficient German engineering with an emphasis on functionality rather than form.

Once out on the road, the automatic car (which also features a steptronic gear system) is a joy to drive, pulling away smartly when you put your foot down, and Toyota lovers have no fear - the brakes are highly responsive to the slightest touch.

The new Polo also handles well around corners and turning, with the steering wheel proving smooth to operate, while, because of the car's size it is easy to manoeuvre around Bermuda's tight roads (and badly parked vehicles).

It comes complete with a series of swish features such as an RCD 310 CD Radio, MP3, six loudspeakers and media-in multimedia socket, as well as air-conditioning, power steering, power mirrors, power locks, heated front seats, seat height adjustment, cup holders and alloy wheels coming as standard.

Other novelties include keyless entry, back-up sensors, steering radio controls, while there is also a big focus on safety with air bags, ABS, fog lights and front and rear seat belts all fitted.

The car, which is under a two-year warranty with the option of the SmartChoice protection plan which covers maintenance and service, is available in candy white, reflex silver, pepper grey, shadow blue, deep black, rocket orange and flash red.

With enough space to comfortably seat four adults, the reclassified model is ideal for the young couple with children or the retiree going out for a day's drive alike.

Tony Martin, senior vice-president of HWP automotive sales, said: "We are delighted with the new Polo, it lives up to all our expectations in terms of style, comfort and luxury - a real headturner.

"It's also great to drive on Bermuda's roads and what's more, it's the safest Polo ever as it received the best possible score in the stringent Euro NCAP crash tests.

"All the vehicles here at HWP are carefully selected to be a perfect match for Bermuda driving conditions and we think that the new Polo will be the perfect match for lots of customers based on their lifestyle and budget."

So far, HWP has sold six of the new Polos, including two pre-sales, and Mr. Earls anticipates the popular little number will prove to be a big hit on the Island because of everything it has to offer.

The Polo was launched in Europe in September 2009 and has since won a number of awards and accolades, including the Supermini title in What Car? Awards held in London in January this year and the 2010 European Car of the Year title.

For more information, contact HWP at 295-500, e-mail craig.earls@hwp.bm or visit the website at www.hwp.bm