SINCE its launch last year, Volkswagen's Polo Twist range has proved a popular buy, down to its extra equipment and price saving compared with the equivalent-engined Polo S model, on which it is based. In fact, it is now the best selling model in the range.

Volkswagen's sales drive is based on a simple and straightforward maxim: that the three or five-door Twist is a stylish way to tackle city streets.

It rides on distinctive 14-inch alloy wheels and offers a choice of metallic or pearl effect paint body colours. This is in addition to the standard features such as semi-automatic climate control, powered front windows, anti-lock brakes, driver's and front passenger's airbags with side airbags, central locking, and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

There is a range of four engines, the 1.2-litre 65PS and 1.4-litre 75PS petrol units, and 1.9-litre SDI 64PS and 1.4-litre TDI 75PS diesels. The 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TDI are three cylinder engines for good fuel economy but, say Volkswagen, with the refinement and performance to match four cylinder rivals.

All the engines are fitted with five-speed manual gearboxes as standard, while the 1.4-litre petrol engine can be linked to a four-speed automatic.

Prices start at £8,495 for the petrol-driven 1.2-litre 65PS five-speed three-door model, with the five-door version adding another £500; while diesel prices start at £8,795 for the 1.9-litre SDI 64PS five-speed three-door with the five-door model costing another £500. Prices of the 1.4-litre producing 75 PS start at £8,895 for the three-door model, with the five-door another £500, while the automatic version three-door is £9,495, with the five-door £500 more. Prices for the 1.4-litre turbo diesels producing 75PS come in at £9,495 for the three-door and £9,995 for the five-door model.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, October 15, 2004