04 Apr 07
The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion has the lowest CO2 emissions of any car on sale in the UK, electric cars excepted. Emitting just 99g/km or 102g/km (depending on version - more on this later) it's cleaner than any other petrol, diesel or even petrol-electric hybrid currently offered. And its 74.3mpg/70.6mpg on the official combined cycle beats them on fuel consumption too.
How does it manage this? A combination of highly efficient engine, light weight, high gearing and slick aerodynamics.
The three-cylinder 1.4-litre engine is a relatively conventional three-cylinder diesel, fitted with a variable-geometry turbocharger that's set up to provide maximum assistance at low speed, plus exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter. There are no differences to the suspension or brakes, so it steers and stops like other Polos.
There's nothing radical going on visually, either. The external styling makes the BlueMotion look only slightly different from other Polos, and all the changes have been made for their effect on the aerodynamics, rather than for the sake of appearances. A smoother bumper and grille sit up front, while a small spoiler is fitted around the rear windscreen to reduce drag. The wheels are unique too - special lightweight alloys fitted with low-rolling-resistance tyres.
