Story: DAVID WILKINS
VOLKSWAGEN has launched a sporty eco version of the Polo, the BlueGT. Tax-friendly emissions of 107g/km and combined fuel consumption of 61.4 mpg will appeal to plenty of business users but the BlueGT still manages to accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds before topping out at 130 mph.
The secret of the BlueGT’s success? A turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine – first seen in the new Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf – that shuts down two of the four cylinders under light loads. Cylinder deactivation technology is fairly common on larger, thirstier engines, but Volkswagen is unusual in applying it to an engine that is already small and efficient.
The 140 PS BlueGT is available with a self-shifting seven-speed DSG transmission as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual, but the official fuel consumption and emissions figures are unaffected.
The BlueGT borrows much of its exterior trim from the sporty Polo GTI and the BlueMotion eco variant so it gets seventeen-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and diffuser, and LED daytime running lights. The suspension is lowered by 15mm. The sporty theme continues inside with a GTI-style instrument pack and a leather wheel. Business car users who spend a lot of time in their company cars will appreciate the standard cruise control, DAB radio and Bluetooth phone connection.
Prices for the Polo BlueGT range from £17,400 to £19,365. The first deliveries are expected for mid-December. Not many cars can give hot hatch performance with this sort of business car tax profile.
