Volkswagen's new 1.2 litre 3-pot TDI will be fitted to the 2010 VW Polo BlueMotion in the UK
Volkswagen has revealed a new 1.2 litre 3-pot diesel offering 85mpg which will be fitted to the new Polo BlueMotion.
In a world of ever shrinking engines it seems to be every car maker’s aim to get more out if less. So in a further episode of its world domination plan Volkswagen has revealed a new 1.2 litre 3-pot diesel lump at the Vienna Motor Symposium.
The new engine is essentially the same as VW’s 1.6 litre 4-pot common rail injection engine with one cylinder lopped off. It produces 74 horses and 133lb/ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm, which should make it very driveable around town. And it’s heading for the 2010 VW Polo BlueMotion.
VW are keen to point out that losing a cylinder and running round in a 1.2 litre is not the end of the world. They say the new engine is quiet (they actually refer to ‘Acoustic Comfort’, but then they are German) and offers good performance. The actual VW-speak is:
The specification for the new 3-cylinder TDI called for the greatest possible dynamic engine performance with reduced displacement, maximum acoustic comfort and systematic weight reduction – without compromising the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency. All of the advantages of a reduced number of cylinders – primarily reduced weight and friction power loss – are being exploited as well.
So now you know. But with fuel consumption at 85.6 mpg and CO2 emissions at 87g/km – and the promise of half-decent performance – it’s a hard combination to argue against for urban use.
And it does make you wonder why anyone would opt for an electric or hybrid.
Peter Lewis says
The new 2015 Mk5 Polo 1.4 TDi Bluemotion cannot really be considered a small car anymore.
It’s similar in size to the Mk5 Golf, and is extremely refined, offering the kind of kit usually found in more expensive vehicles.
Adaptive Cruise Control, Climatic Air Conditioning, Heated Seats and numerous other goodies.
It’s unlikely the highly efficient Bluemotion Diesel will reach Americas shores, but VW will be on to a winner if they introduce the current Polo model across the pond.
It’s a superb car, very refined and beautifully screwed together.
Peter Lewis says
With very slick marketing,many customers are under the apprehension that Electric and Hybrid vehicles are the best all round choice for fuel economy.
Currently Electric vehicles make little financial sense over a much smaller and far cheaper family hatchback,if all the owner needs the car for is to commute to work or travel short distances.
Apart from the incredibly expensive Teslar sports car, no Electric vehicle can travel any significant distance without needing to stop to recharge the battery pack.
As for Hybrid vehicles, well they do return decent fuel economy, but few or any of them will trounce the efficiency of a modern Turbo Diesel.
There are a few decent cars out there able to nudge the 80 mpg barrier, and do not relie heavily on expensive Lithium battery technology.
If money was not an issue, my choice of vehicles would be a new Jaguar XJ 3.0 Litre Diesel Portfolio, for its magnificent refinement and decent 50+ economy, and long distance comfort ability.
For that shorter journey, maybe a new VW Polo Bluemotion or Fiesta Ecotec.
An Electric vehicle that cannot cannot take me on a long 300mile journey makes little or no sense to me, and a Hybrid is fine for those who think they are saving the planet, but getting acceptable economy and not brilliant economy.
Johnmac says
I have just ordered a UK one with additional extras for delivery on 1st Sept this year. Hope it’s as good as all the reviews?
Cpillar says
Petrol may be far less expensive in America than in the UK, but this super-efficient Polo Bluemotion would sell like hotcakes if it were available over here. I could finally replace my Metro xfi with a modern automobile – one that doesn’t have to haul around a heavy battery pack everywhere it goes. Sure wish VW would sell it across the pond.
CarsUK says
You may get your wish. Our contacts tell us that VW is seriously considering the latest Polo for N.America. You guys are waking up to the joys of little cars for city living. And the new Polo is one of the best.