VW sees economy in motion

Jan 31 2010 Stewart Smith

VW sees economy in motion

VOLKSWAGEN has always been at the forefront of technological advancement and its latest BlueMotion models boast impressive fuel saving and environmental benefits.

The second generation Polo BlueMotion, which goes on sale in March, even betters the fuel consumption and undercuts the emissions of the outgoing model.

Powered by an all-new 1.2-litre TDI three-cylinder,12-valve common rail diesel engine, it develops 75bhp and despite displacing just 1,199cc and being keenly focused on economy, the engine allows the Polo BlueMotion to accelerate to 62mph in 13.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 107mph.

Regenerative braking and start-stop systems help to maximise efficiency and are fitted to a Polo for the first time.

In common with all BlueMotion models the Polo features lower aerodynamic drag with the addition of a new cooling system intake grille element, a front splitter and a small rear wing. Cooling ducts usually mounted in the front bumper have been relocated to the underside of the vehicle.

Other changes over the conventional Polo include a set of sideskirts, a new rear bumper, 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/70 profile low rolling resistance tyres.

On the combined cycle the Polo BlueMotion returns 83.1mpg with a road tax free CO2 figure of 90g/km.

Prices start at around £14,500 for the three-door model.

The BlueMotion model is expected to account for around five per cent of all Polo sales and it's estimated that 37,000 examples of the Polo will be sold in the UK in 2010.

The new Passat BlueMotion is now on sale and promises to be among the most efficient vehicles of its size.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 bhp. Fitted to the Passat for the first time, the 1.6-litre engine allows the new Passat BlueMotion fuel economy improves from 57.6mpg to 64.2mpg for both the saloon and estate models while CO2 emissions fall top 114g/km from 128g/km.

The Passat saloon accelerates from rest to 62mph in 12.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 119mph.

Making the gains in efficiency possible are a series of modifications including automatic Stop-Start and regenerative braking systems fitted as standard.

Longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears assist in reducing engine speed and improve efficiency.

Aerodynamic drag on the vehicle has been reduced through the use of a new grille element and front bumper arrangement with the relocation of cooling ducts to the underside of the vehicle.

Price for the Passat Saloon is £19,745 and the Estate comes in at £20,990.