What is it?
This is the BlueMotion version of the just-launched new VW Polo. As with other BlueMotion models, the Polo comes with a host of changes to make it more frugal and easier on carbon dioxide emissions. The results are that the Polo BlueMotion emits just 87g/km of CO2 and registers very impressive combined economy of 85.6mpg from its new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Why's it here?
There's the new three-cylinder engine for starters, which produces 74bhp. This engine is coupled to a stop-start system, where the engine cuts out when the car is stationary before restarting when the driver presses the clutch pedal. There's also regenerative braking and a new five-speed manual gearbox with carefully chosen ratios to give the best economy possible.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Much as we like the new Volkswagen Polo and the BlueMotion version is a very worthy machine in these cost-conscious and environmentally aware times, this car is more floor filler than wow factor. However, it is likely to prove popular when it goes on sale in the UK in the spring of 2010 and it's also one of the most appropriate cars at the show.
Alisdair Suttie - 17 Sep 2009