As the Polo evolved and grew larger, Volkswagen realised the gap in its range for a truly small city car, and so developed the Lupo three-door hatchback on a shortened version of the Polo platform.

Launched in 1998 with cutesy “frog-eyed” styling by Jozef Kabaň, RHD versions went on sale in Britain in 1999.

To begin with, there were two trim levels, the entry-level E and the more luxurious S; these were later joined by a Sport and a GTI.

Both petrol and diesel engines were offered, the former being comprised of three transverse four-cylinders of one, 1.4 and 1.6 litres.

The one-litre (999 cc) model was credited with 49 bhp, a top speed of 94 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 17.7secs.

Transmission choices included five- and six-speed manuals, a five-speed automated manual and a four-speed automatic.

Some 480,000 Lupos were built between 1998 and 2005.

Although out of production for more than twenty years, there are still good reasons for choosing a Volkswagen Lupo over newer cars.

As ...