Geneva 2009: unveiling of the Polo BlueMotion Concept – 3.3 litres /100 km!

March 5, 2009 -- Filed under Technology by Louis-Alain Richard

According to the rumour mill, it would seem that the future Polo might be coming to North America in a year or two, but if you read The Gazette, the rumour can’t be taken at face value. I don’t know if this blog has something to do with it, but I do know that the more noise is made, the greater the chance of seeing new models being available in Canada. So let’s hear you all together: Scirocco, BlueSport, Touran …!
OK, so I’m just kidding.

The Polo, which has just been unveiled in Geneva, is a concept car that heralds the 5th generation of this popular subcompact (it’s the size of the first 1975-83 Rabbit). To ensure the car’s success, the Polo BlueMotion Concept has been given a TDI 3-cylinder 1.2L common rail engine that delivers 75 HP. Still in development, this frugal engine is combined with a Start&Stop system and regenerative braking (these two systems give 0.2L/100 km in the city) to offer a spectacular fuel economy of only 3.3L/100 km (highway).

For those who are still using miles per gallon, that’s 85 MPG (imperial). Which means the Polo BlueMotion offers, more or less, twice the mileage of a 1980s subcompact of equivalent size and power.

3.3L/100 km is the equivalent of 87 g/km of CO2. This measurement is not yet very popular in Canada, however, it does allow an easy comparison of different fuels (gas, diesel, biodiesel, ethanol) in terms of greenhouse gas production. This way of measuring is also useful since it emphasizes the pollution produced while taking into account all factors, from fuel production to the exhaust pipe. I’m sure we’ll adopt it very soon right here in Canada.

The TDI engine isn’t the only reason behind this amazing fuel economy: the Polo BlueMotion Concept has a featherweight body (1,080 kg), uses all the aerodynamic tricks of the trade, its height has been reduced by 10 mm, and it has been equipped with low-resistance tires. These modifications have given 0.8L/100 km on the highway.

Finally, a gear change indicator and a tire pressure monitor ensure optimal driving conditions and that tires are always correctly inflated for the best performance.

You’ll find a few pictures here and more articles here and here.

And here’s a promotional trailer video:

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