The new Polo will be the first VW to benefit from Audi's tax-beating FSI direct-injection petrol technology. A 1.4-litre version, developing 85bhp, will be launched next summer three months after the range goes on sale.

An FSI-engined Golf will follow but no decision has yet been taken on whether the engine will go into Passat. Audi is claiming a 15% fuel saving for the engine with ultra-low sulphur petrol and the Polo FSI's arrival will be timed to coincide with its UK introduction.

The FSI engines use high-pressure, common-rail injection technology to squirt petrol directly into the combustion chamber, reducing emissions.