VW Polo BlueMotion is now down to 99g/km CO2
Volkswagen has continued tweaking their class-leading Polo BlueMotion model to make it even more efficient. When first announced earlier this year, it was rated at 60.3mpg and 102g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. The latest numbers come in at 61.9mpg for the combined fuel economy according the the EU tests and the CO2 emissions are now under 100 at 99g/km.
The Polo still can't match the Smart ForTwo CDi with its 88g/km but it does have seatbelts for five. The Polo has a 1.4L TDI engine with 80hp and 143 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with a particulate filter. Unfortunately we still can't get it in the US and it's unclear if we ever will.
Gallery: VW Polo BlueMotion
[Source: Volkswagen]
Class leader Polo BlueMotion now consumes even less: Drive 100 kilometres on 3.8 litres
- The battle for every gram of CO2: 99g/km has been reached
Wolfsburg, 18 July 2007 - At Volkswagen, BlueMotion is the label for the most economic models in a class. It started with the Polo BlueMotion in Summer 2006. The Passat BlueMotion is now available and the Golf BlueMotion will follow in the autumn.These models are also constantly being further developed as standing still would, of course, represent a step backwards. As a result, Volkswagen has managed to cut the already lowest consumption in the Polo class, which was achieved by the Polo BlueMotion, by one tenth of a litre to 3.8 litres. That corresponds with an emissions level of 99g/km.
Optimisation of the engine configuration was the focus of the continuing improvement work. The three-cylinder 1.4 TDI with a comparatively high torque of 195Nm allows a high gear ratio. Low wind resistance is also part of the BlueMotion philosophy. This includes good aerodynamics with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30 as well as minimum rolling resistance thanks to fuel-saving tyres. The TDI powerplant that comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard has a standard consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 3.9 litres).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Z 9:26PM (7/18/2007)
Is that US or Imperial Gallons?
Reply
Sam Abuelsamid 9:36PM (7/18/2007)
I always convert everything to US gallons here on ABG
Reply
Joseph 11:04PM (7/18/2007)
"I always convert everything to US gallons here on ABG"
And since the EU ratings are slightly unrealistic, real-life mpg would probably be around 55 mpg. That's as efficient as an Insight.
Reply
Mattias 4:36AM (7/19/2007)
In real life with mixed traffic (highway, autobahn, city), 52 to 55 is very realistic. On the other hand more than 62mpg when cruising at constantly 55mph with properly inflated tires is nothing impossible.
Reply
bidas 5:12AM (7/19/2007)
The old VW Lupo(4 seats) 1.2 TDI 60HP was 89g/km and 3L/100 km (78.4 MPG US galon).
Reply
bidas 5:23AM (7/19/2007)
I recon that EU ratings are unrealistic for US( diferent traffic...) but if you drive a diesel or ever a gas car like a hibrid, i mean, respecting the speed limits, breaking with the engine when you see traffic ahead, not making racing acelerations, change gears sooner(if you have a manual), you could suprise your self, try it once!
Reply
Mike 9:57AM (7/19/2007)
The VW UK website lits the TDI Polo at over 72mpg highway. Converted to US gal. that's a little over 60mpg.
Reply
Kendall Tawes 10:42PM (7/19/2007)
I spoke if this on AG as well but I think the reason VW isn't doing well in America now is due to cars like this one never coming over to the US. I hope they learn from this mistake soon as the Golf/Rabbit has become a bit porky for my needs.
Reply
Tim 11:41AM (7/19/2007)
I can't wait until we can have "unlimited" fuel milage during our daily commutes using PHEVs charged with rooftop solar pannels. Let’s see diesels beat that!
Reply
A.Brien 1:48PM (7/19/2007)
With numbers like that, they sure can sell this car in north-america. If goverment agency's can stop changing the norms of diesel cars every now and then and ease the pain a little bit then we can have a choice of engines. Diesels are now fun to drive. 80 h.p in a car like that must be interresting.
Reply
Michael 11:00PM (7/19/2007)
VW just does not seem to get it when it comes to the US market: they make losses of 1 billion US $/year, yet they don't market here vehicles that would be most desirable to take advantage of the new wave of environmental consciousness. You can buy a baseline Jetta for 16k with 2.5 liter, 5 cylinder engine, but a Jetta with much more efficient diesel engine will cost you 25k or more... Go figure!
Therefore I am also very sceptical that they will bring a Polo with diesel engine to the US.
Reply
Arthur Embleton 5:25PM (7/19/2007)
This is great news. 99g/km pushes the Polo Bluemotion into band A when it comes to road tax. This means that its road tax will be free. At 102g/km it would have cost £35 per year. I know that isn't a huge amount compared to the likely cost of the car but it is a psychological barrier that has been crossed: a 'normal' small hatch at under 100g/km.
As for the fuel economy, I think this is entirely possible. I currently drive a 2001 model Renault Clio 80bhp diesel. This officially achieves 67MPG (55.8 US-MPG) (Source: http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/data-detail.aspx?deriv=24542 ), but I average 70MPG (58.3 US-MPG).
Reply
Don 9:03PM (7/19/2007)
Yeah, Art...great news. Too bad we can't drive them.
Reply