The green Polo BlueGT

The new Polo BlueGT features a 1.4 litre, 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) turbocharged petrol engine that allows it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

Very respectable indeed, but even more impressive is the way in which the Polo manages to combine that performance with efficiency.

Its average fuel consumption is a remarkable 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are 108 g/km, figures that not so long ago would have required a sluggish diesel engine to achieve. What’s more, go for the optional seven-speed DSG transmission, and the numbers improve to 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and 105 g/km.

Volkswagen Polo BlueGT (2012) Front SideVolkswagen Polo BlueGT (2012) Dashboard

Volkswagen Polo BlueGT (2012) InteriorVolkswagen Polo BlueGT (2012) Rear Side

Key to the Polo’s abilities is a cylinder deactivation system, which is being used for the first time in a production Volkswagen. This shuts down the second and third cylinders under light throttle loads, provided that the engine is spinning at between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. Then, as soon as the driver depresses the accelerator, all four cylinders fire up again.

To put things into perspective, an Alfa Romeo Mito powered by the 1.4 litre MultiAir turbo engine has a similar 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS). However, the Mito takes half a second longer to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest, although its top speed is virtually the same as the Polo’s.

And while the Mito’s combined fuel economy of 50.4 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km are both admirable, they can’t compete with the Volkswagen.

Visually the Polo BlueGT is distinguished by body styling borrowed from the Polo GTI, 17” alloy wheels, lowered suspension and black paint for the front grille and door mirror caps. On the inside, the specification includes sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a black headlining.

While sales in mainland Europe are due to begin this July, inexplicably UK availability is still to be confirmed.

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