Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its very latest – and also largest – Polo hatchback.

Here are a few key facts on the freshly-minted version of the popular VW supermini, which has reached over 14 million customers to date.

Comfort and practicality are boosted thanks to a size increase over the previous model. The new Polo is now just over 4 metres in length (4,053 mm to be precise) and this means there's more room for passengers and their luggage as boot capacity is up 25 per cent to 351 litres. The wheelbase is also 94 mm longer than before which contributes, says VW, to improved ride comfort. 

A step up in technology means the latest Polo now features toys from the Golf class including Front Assist, Blind Spot Detection, ACC and LED headlights, as well as digital instruments – a first for the Polo – with the second generation of the Active Info Display.

While the design is unmistakably Polo, the new exterior is more dynamic and a the front end is rather more Golf-like.

A range of trim levels have been announced including Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, GTI, Beats and lifestyle packages along with a wide colour palette of 14 paint finishes and 13 dashpad colours – but we have yet to receive confirmation of UK specs.

For the first time ever, the Polo will be available with a natural gas engine: the newly developed 1.0 TGI with an output of 90 PS. Four petrol and two diesel engines are also available., all equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode.

Higher powered versions will also be available with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG) while the sporty 200 PS GTI tops off the range.

The new Volkswagen Polo is set to launch in most European markets in 2017, with four doors and Front Assist as standard. German prices will start from 12,975 Euros.