VW Polo BlueMotion Tops 70 MPG

The speed limit on the stretch of Autobahn we're driving is 120 km and we are rolling with traffic well beyond this speed. That 120 km limit is roughly 74 mph, or about the top end of what most Americans will drive on free-flowing highways. Even at this speed, our mount is squeezing almost 70 miles from every gallon of fuel. This isn't an exotic prototype hybrid or experimental future car. Rather, we're behind the wheel of a production Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion powered by a 1.4-liter three-cylinder TDI diesel.

On a recent trip to Wolfsburg, Germany, Green Car had the opportunity to experience the depth of Volkswagen's clean diesel expertise. In addition to the U.S. spec 2.0 liter clean diesel TDI Jetta, we also sampled Volkswagen's wonderful 3.0 liter V-6 TDI in a Phaeton and a Euro-spec BlueMotion 1.9 TDI in a Golf. The car that really caught our attention, though, was the BlueMotion Polo TDI. Polo is a five-passenger hatchback positioned in the VW line between the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.) and the subcompact Lupo.

The BlueMotion Polo trumps the most sophisticated hybrids when it comes to fuel economy. The standard Polo 1.4 TDI rates 41 mpg city and 62 mpg highway fuel economy for the European driving cycle. The BlueMotion package, with its taller gearing, low rolling resistance tires, and aerodynamic tuning, manages an incredible 48 mpg city and 74 mpg highway ratings. VW pegs the mileage at 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers traveled, which works out to 62 mpg for combined driving in the EU tests.

This car is fun to drive, too. VW dropped taller ratios in the gearbox and the small displacement three-cylinder does exhibit some turbo lag. But once you know where to find the power the Polo BlueMotion can be hustled right along, thanks to the diesel's inherent torque advantage. The sweet spot is just above 1,500 rpm, just before peak torque is achieved. The 1.4 liter TDI produces 80 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 143 lbs-ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm. To put that 80 horsepower in perspective, consider that the original diesel Rabbit offered just 50 horsepower.

Acceleration is adequate. VW says the Polo BlueMotion will go from 0-100 kmh (62 mph) in 12.8 seconds. With the tall gearing and abundant torque, top speed is 176 kmh, or 109 mph. We didn't have a chance to test this number, but did see 150 kmh (93 mph) on the Autobahn a few times in an effort to maintain a safe traffic flow and the little Polo had plenty left. Naturally, this isn't the type of driving that extracts better than 70 mpg, which is easily obtainable when cruising at a steady 100 kmh.

Wondering about the name BlueMotion? The "blue" refers to the color found in VW's logo and represents the color of the earth when seen from space, air, and water. Adding 'motion' blends the concept of sustainable mobility moving forward into the future.

Now for the real shocker: the Polo BlueMotion is super clean, producing less C02 than a Toyota Prius ... and it does this without a hybrid's advantage of shutting off the engine while stopped. The Polo BlueMotion has both quick reacting oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter. CO2 is just 99g/km; the Prius produces 104g/km.

VW currently has no plans to bring the hyper-efficient Polo BlueMotion to the North American market. If it did, this model would be a bit pricy for this vehicle class, but the reward of exceptional fuel economy would be, in our opinion, well worth the premium. Would the most economical five seater in Europe play well in America? We say, 'bring it on!'