PoloDriver

Volkswagen UK announced today that the Polo BlueGT is now available to order, with the first customer deliveries expected in December. Available from £17,400, the BlueGT mixes near-economy figures of the Polo BlueMotion with near-performance levels of the Polo GTI. Powered by a 138bhp, 185lb ft (250Nm) turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, the unit has active cylinder deactivation (ACT), which shuts off two cylinders at low engine speeds, as first seen in the Audi A1. This results in a claimed 61.4mpg on the combined cycle, and 107g/km. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but buyers can also choose the seven-speed DSG transmission. Top speed is 130mph and 0-62 mph takes just 7.9 seconds. The Polo BlueGT is the first production Volkswagen car to have the ACT technology fitted.

The new EA211 engine automatically closes down cylinders two and three under light and medium loads (between 1400-4000rpm and 18-74lb ft – 25-100Nm – of torque), producing fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100km in the EU driving cycle. At a constant 30mph (50km/h) the savings can be as much as one litre per 100 km, and even at 44mph (70km/h) in fifth gear, Volkswagen says that around 0.7 litres per 100km can be saved. The two cylinders are imperceptibly reactivated when the accelerator pedal is pressed and all mechanical switchovers occur within 13 to 36 milliseconds, depending on engine speed. A display in the instrument binnacle lets the driver know when cylinders are deactivated.

Externally, the Polo BlueGT is distinguished by multi-spoke 17-inch ‘Montani’ alloys and blue-coloured GT badges front and rear, while the suspension is lowered by 15mm. There’s also a Polo GTI rear spoiler, front and rear bumpers and LED daytime running lights), and Polo BlueMotion side sills and front windscreen rain channels. A black-painted front grille and black door mirror caps complete the look, while a unique exterior paint, ‘Blue Silk’, is available as an option. The BlueGT also borrows the Polo GTI’s black interior roof lining and instruments, while a unique BlueGT-emblemmed steering wheel and sports seats feature in the cabin, along with DAB radio/iPod connectivity, cruise control, and a Bluetooth connection.

Polo BlueGT prices (18 October 2012)
Polo BlueGT 3dr: 6-spd manual, 107g/km, 61.4mpg, £17,400
Polo BlueGT 5dr: 6-spd manual, 107g/km, 61.4mpg, £18,020
Polo BlueGT 3dr: 7-spd DSG, 107g/km, 61.4mpg, £18,745
Polo BlueGT 5dr: 7-spd DSG, 107g/km, 61.4mpg, £19,365

Note: the car shown has optional xenon headlights and no front fog lights.