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The new fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo range is almost complete. Yes, the performance-orientated GTI is still forthcoming, but the big sellers of the main range have now landed in the UK. Both turbocharged and both with a displacement of 1.2 litres, the TSI and TDI BlueMotion are now on sale, and although they both have very different jobs to do – range-topper and eco model respectively – there’s another common trait: price. Both are pegged between £14,000-£15,000, and as you’d expect of two models so varied in nature, they offer very contrasting driving experiences.

The TSI, only available in SEL trim, is quasi-sporting yet refined, its smooth new 104bhp engine the sign of things of come, while the BlueMotion proves that driving economically can be fun, if you’re prepared for a few sacrifices. We’ve tested them both over at PoloDriver; see how we got on driving around the leafy lanes of Leicestershire by clicking on the magazine graphic below, or if you can’t see the preview, visit this link. The third of PoloDriver’s specially-designed digital ‘mini-magazines’, check out the website’s bookshelf for the two previous titles.

The new Volkswagen Polo is now on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe, and with revised and updated economical and high-performance versions at opposite ends of the Polo spectrum coming in the next few months, as well as a launch in India and a new saloon variant, it’s going to be a busy 2010 for VW’s newest arrival.

With the Car of the Year 2010 victory ending 2009 on a high, read what impressed the European jury enough to hand the industry award to the Polo in a review of the new range. Driven back in September at the UK press launch, read the initial findings of the 1.2 59 and 69bhp SE, 1.4 84bhp SE, 1.2 59bhp Moda, 1.4 84bhp SEL and 1.6 74bhp TDI.

The mini-magazine can be found on PoloDriver‘s Issuu virtual bookshelf here and is previewed below.

Volkswagen Polo in European Car of the Year 2010 winner shock. Yes, the fifth-generation of Volkswagen’s supermini (above, front right) has gone and done it. I can’t quite believe it. After 34 years it’s finally been awarded one of the oldest prizes in motoring. Snatching victory from the clutches of the Toyota iQ, the new Polo was announced the winner today at a ceremony in Madrid. Beating 33 contenders for the title, it drove over the six other shortlisted finalists with its total of 347 points. Pop over to PoloDriver for the full story.