Volkswagen is bringing some sportiness to its Polo hatchback with the introduction of a new R-Line model in the UK that is available for order now with first deliveries expected in July.

The R-Line is based on the specification of the Polo Match and is available in Britain in both three- and five-door body styles but only one engine, the 1.2-litre 105 PS TSI petrol unit linked to a six-speed manual gearbox.

On the outside, the exterior package bundles a sports front bumper, tinted rear windows, a black gloss radiator grille with R Line badging, deeper side sills and 16-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels along with a rear bumper housing a diffuser and a chrome tail pipe.

Inside, the R-Line model is distinguished by the brushed aluminium scuff plates with R Line logos, the sport seats clothed in a bespoke upholstery, a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel with an R Line logo, aluminium sport pedals, and black cloth roof lining.

Standard equipment features include an audio system with six speakers and multi-device interface, for plugging in an iPod or other compatible device, semi-automatic air conditioning and all the usual electronic comforts.

Volkswagen says that the 104hp (105PS) TSI engine propels the Polo R-Line to 62mph (100km/h) in 9.7 seconds en route to a top speed of 118mph (190km/h), while returning a combined fuel economy of 53.3 mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 124 g/km.

On the road prices start at £15,195 for the three-door model, rising to £15,815 for the five-door version.

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