By CY Chew

IT'S usually no fun being the younger brother.

Think of Britain's Prince Harry and you get the idea.

A step further away from the throne and constantly being benchmarked against a more famous and better-looking big brother.

Thankfully, the last point doesn't apply to the all-new Volkswagen Polo.

While at first glance, it might look like a scaled-down version of the best-selling Golf, closer inspection reveals it is actually more good-looking.

The new Polo has a squarer jaw and a roofline that is 14mm lower than its predecessor while length and width has swelled by 54mm and 32mm respectively.

The styling is more angular and the new car not only looks more squat, but it actually is, thanks to a 30mm increase in the front and rear track.

This wider stance pays huge dividends in grip as we found out on the sinuous mountain roads of Sardinia, Italy where the car was unveiled this week.

On the move, the Polo is hushed with class-leading levels of insulation.

The level of refinement in terms of ride and cabin noise is comparable to or better than a Mitsubishi Lancer or Toyota Corolla Altis - two cars which are a class-segment above but which the new Polo will be priced against when it arrives.

There are two new petrol engines - a normally aspirated 1.4-litre with 85 hp, and a direct injection turbocharged 1.2-litre unit packing 105 hp. Both are available with the seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox, yet another first for a car in its class.

While the performance of the 1.4-litre is adequate, the extra 20 horses and 43 Nm of torque of the 1.2L makes the Polo feel brawnier.

Coupled with the seamless DSG transmission, this powertrain combination is fun.

Over blind crests on narrow mountain roads or speeding by the picture-perfect Porto Cervo coastline, the Polo is nimble where it matters and stable when needed.

The steering is direct and linear although body roll could be better contained.

But then, this is supposed to be an econo-hatch, not a small GTI.

Shod with 16-inch Michelin tyres, grip is aplenty through corners, helped no doubt by its sub-tonne kerb weight.

With an all new McPherson front suspension, the car's ride is close to perfect considering the relatively short 2,470mm wheelbase.

Front and rear passengers enjoy grown-up ride comfort in the basic but well-made cabin, which features a soft-touch instrument panel.

Although the new Polo is not something that makes you want to write home about, it is the completeness of the package that will grow on you.

From the accomplished chassis and fugal yet stirring powertrain, to the quiet and well-crafted interior; the Polo is very likeable.

The new Polo will be launched here in the fourth quarter.

If VW can maintain pricing at the same level as the outgoing car, Prince William better start looking over his shoulder.

btnews@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Business Times.