| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion |

Inside & Out:

The Polo BlueMotion's appearance is driven by functional requirements and the reduction of forces that resist motion - friction in other words. Be that from the tarmac the car is traversing or the air it is pushing through. It therefore features a raft of detail changes to optimise aerodynamic performance, such as the reshaped grille insert, side skirts and spoiler on the hatch. The relatively small wheels' diminutive proportions are at odds with recent trends of filling out wheelarches with larger alloys, but the overall visual appearance of the car fits its purpose and is actually easy on the eye, ironically mimicking many features that VW fans in Europe seek to add to their own cars. The interior of the BlueMotion is much like that of the rest of the Polo range and is none the worse for that.

Engine & Transmission:

The VW Polo BlueMotion's attributes are in no small part due to the compact engine beneath the bonnet. Unsurprisingly, diesel is the fuel of choice for ultimate economy and the small 1.4-litre capacity uses a combination of well-controlled high pressure fuel injection, optimised air management and emissions controls courtesy of VW's PD system, a variable geometry turbocharger and aftertreatment respectively.

The five-speed gearbox's ratios are well spaced, but much longer than many cars of this ilk in order to keep engine revs - and therefore fuel consumption - lowered when cruising. The outright performance of the BlueMotion isn't impressive, but is more than enough to keep up with the ebb and flow of modern traffic, especially on the commute or in urban conditions where its economy is unrivalled in our experience.

Ride & Handling:

The relatively small wheels and high profile tyres combine to offer a ride that feels significantly more compliant than many alternate cars in the class that have migrated to more aesthetically pleasing larger wheels and low profile tyres - items demanded by marketing departments nowadays. The low rolling resistance tyres fitted to the Polo owe their properties to reduced contact patch and coefficient of friction, which happen to be two criteria essential for grip on the road. As such the BlueMotion's ultimate road holding is noticeably reduced from that of the rest of the Polo range. However, that is not to say that the handling is poor or falls short of the standards required for everyday motoring. It is highly unlikely that many owners would find the BlueMotion's limits too modest for their requirements.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Low emissions mean low running costs are one of the main benefits of the BlueMotion due to the economy and tax benefits. Low CO₂ emissions mean the BlueMotion dips below the lowest taxable increment currently defined in the UK yielding a significant financial benefit against many rivals. Economy wise we couldn't match the heady figures quoted in Volkswagen's literature. However, there is no real shame to be found in an overall economy figure of 67mpg during our week with the car.

Equipment levels are comparable with other Polos and therefore many rivals, if a little lacking in terms of standard specification when compared to Japanese or Korean competition. It is hard to put a quotient against the perceived value of the relative environmental friendliness of the Polo BlueMotion; it is an individual perception almost impossible to put a figure to. However, it would be fair to say that the environmental and economy benefits of the BlueMotion are not cheap to buy into - the value will be in the eye of the purchaser for whom many the BlueMotion's statement of intent will be justification enough.

Overall:

VW's courage and commitment in bringing the Polo BlueMotion to market should be applauded. It is likely that, in the future, hybrids will be the ultimate in terms of combining fun and performance with an environmental conscience, but in the here and now this Polo offers the ultimate in real world economy. It comes at a premium in terms of price, but for those who care, the financial cost is offset by the environmental benefits and feeling that they are doing their bit.