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(Channel 4 News)



The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion will arrive in the UK in June, in three- and five-door forms and priced from around £11,500.

Volkswagen is using the BlueMotion name to denote the most fuel-efficient version in each model line-up. The Polo BlueMotion returns an excellent 72.4mpg (combined) and emits just 102g/km of carbon dioxide. These figures mean that not only is it the most fuel-efficient car on sale, but it also has the lowest carbon emissions (apart from electric vehicles). However, this still isn't enough to qualify for the government's lowest VED band.

It features the three-cylinder 1.4 TDI diesel engine (80bhp), already efficient in standard Polos, but has its weight reduced, minor body modifications to make it more aerodynamic (a different grille and lower splitter, a rear spoiler) higher gearing and lower rolling-resistance tyres, all factors helping to reduce its consumption. Performance is still respectable, however: 109mph and 0-60mph in 12.8 seconds. article continues below

The Polo BlueMotion does not, however, come with the AdBlue urea-injection catalyst system, as in selected Touareg and Phaeton models. This system, developed with US emissions regulations and the upcoming Euro 5 legislation in mind, is expensive, especially to fit in a small, low-profit car: so for now, the Polo BlueMotion is just Euro 4-compatible.

It will be available in two versions in the UK; one low-spec model with just basic equipment and a second better-equipped version, with kit including a CD player, electric windows and air conditioning. This latter model will have marginally-increased fuel consumption and emissions due to its additional weight.

The second BlueMotion model from Volkswagen will be a Passat, as seen at the Geneva Motor Show last month. This has the 105bhp 1.9 TDI engine, and returns 55.3mpg (saloon) and 54.3mpg (estate); carbon dioxide emissions are 136g/km and 137g/km respectively. It has higher gearing than the standard 1.9 TDI, but with its aerodynamic enhancements, is actually quicker: 0-60mph in 12.1 seconds. Equipment will include side and curtain airbags, electric windows and air conditioning. Prices will be announced nearer to launch later this summer.

Come back to 4Car on Wednesday for more on the Polo BlueMotion.

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Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com

that is impressive, but its a small diesel turbo in a light weight car, with not much performance in mind, so not much thirst for fuel, in-town downtown like new york or LA or somewhere like that, it would test the prius..

the latest edition of diesel power magazine has the space shuttle transporter
crawler as one of the machines that they cover.. cool stufff, it has 4 engines

Remember that the Great British gallon is bigger than the ones we've got over here. So in US terms that's 57.92 mpg - still impressive though.

Simon

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< http://usukracing.com >
2011 & 2010 Atlantic Rally Cup 2WD Champion
2010 Rally America Eastern Regional 2WD Champion
2009 Atlantic Rally Cup M2 Champion
2008 New York Rally 2WD Championship 2nd Place
2007 Rally Spec Focus Champion

next year, vw is supposedly going to come out with the 2.0l tdi dohc passat motor.. that oughta be good, 140 hp and 250 ft lbs of torque according to diesel power mag..