VOLKSWAGEN HAS DITCHED the 1.4-litre engine in the entry-level Polo hatchback for a 1.2-litre TSI unit, which is smaller but more powerful thanks to a turbocharger.

So the lowest rung on the local VW ladder is now the $113,800 (with COE) 1.2 TSI. It slots below the Polo Sport and the GTI above that, but it has some impressive numbers to shout about.

The 90bhp engine (up 5bhp from the 1.4) punts the entry Polo to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds (a second quicker than before), and it puts 160Nm of torque underfoot from 1,500 to 3,500rpm.

That and the twin-clutch seven-speed DSG gearbox help it to stretch a litre of fuel to an epic 18.9km, and Greenies will be glad to know its carbon fartprint is just 124 grammes of CO2 per kilometre (compared to the 1.4’s 135g/km).

Its launch means every VW here with an engine under 3.0 litres is now powered by the brand’s TSI and DSG drivetrain.

The Polo range will get a further boost in the third quarter of the year when the jacked up and rugged-looking Cross Polo rolls into town, with the 105bhp 1.2 TSI engine from the Polo Sport.