The twin headlamp surrounds...

The twin headlamp surrounds in the mag"s images are fake; the revised supermini is set to get conventional single-lens units. And as for those outrageous spotlights on the roof, they"re more to do with the extreme Scandinavian weather than the options list!

Our spy shots of the car cold-weather testing show just how accurate our exclusive images in issue 813 were. What"s more, if you look inside, you will see VW is cutting down on its wage bill. Except for the driver, the other occupants are mannequins - a cheap way of simulating the weight of a fully laden vehicle.

Despite the disguise, it"s clear that the Polo"s front end will follow the styling of the MkV Golf; the chrome grille has previously been seen on the Concept C roadster. Changes at the rear are less significant, but there are new lights and a smoother tailgate. Modifications inside will be subtle, but expect a revised dash and new materials. The current Polo has been criticised for its sombre cabin, so brighter fabrics will be used. Under the bonnet, the fresh line-up will be powered by the existing 54bhp and 64bhp 1.2-litre petrol units, alongside the current 74bhp 1.4 FSI. And while the 1.4 and 1.9-litre TDI oil-burners will also remain, both will be re-engineered to improve refinement and economy, as well as meet Euro IV emissions regulations.

Following the launch of the all-new Passat at March"s Geneva Motor Show, the Polo will be seen for the first time at the Leipzig exhibition in Germany the following month. It will go on sale in the summer. The firm"s small-car range will be completed early in 2006 with the Fox, which will replace the Lupo.