What's this nonsense? Diesel engines are ok for big saloons, and heck, even the odd coupé, but a proper sportscar? Nay.
Well, actually, Volkswagen has said a big fat 'yay' to the idea. And it looks half decent, too; like a
Scirocco took a
Vauxhall VX220 home one night about nine months ago. Think of the Concept BlueSport as VW's higher-brow
Mazda MX-5 and you're about there. It's pretty much production ready, too.
The BlueSport has got a 178bhp 'Clean Diesel' engine - generating 260lb.ft of twist - weighs just 1,200kg and it measures in at a centimetre under four metres - exactly 30cm longer than a MINI. VW's remit for the car was 'maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption', a goal backed up by the numbers: 0-62mph comes up in just 6.6 seconds and the car tops out at 140mph - all the while doing nearly 66mpg in 'eco mode', partly down to a start/stop function.
It's rear-wheel drive (unlike anything else trotting out of Wolfsburg at present), has a DSG 'box and 44:55 front/rear weight distribution. Fortunately, some of the VW hallmarks we've all come to know and love, like beautifully weighted switchgear and a bit of practicality, remain intact - the concept has touchscreen satnav, lightweight, single piece seats and 185-litres worth of luggage space.
Derek Bell (yes, that one) told our man Kyle that he approves of the BlueSport, when the covers were taken off. Go on VW, you know you want to...
Mark Nichol - 11 Jan 2009