Volkswagen has begun taking orders for the first-ever petrol version of the Polo BlueMotion ahead of first UK deliveries in March.
This latest Polo is powered by a 1-litre BlueMotion TSI petrol engine which offers impressively low CO2 emissions of 94g/km meaning an 11 percent BIK tax band for the 2014/15 tax year. Fuel economy isn’t too shabby either with an official combined figure of 68.9mpg.
Volkswagen’s new three-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and offers 94bhp of power and maximum torque of 118Nm produced between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. This helps the Polo BlueMotion to sprint from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds.
With P11D values starting from £14,675, the new engine joins the three-cylinder diesel 1.4-litre TDI BlueMotion powertrain which produces 74bhp and returns an impressive 91.1mpg combined. It emits just 82g/km of CO2 meaning a 14 percent BIK tax band for the 2014/15 year.
Although diesel is currently the default choice for company car drivers, the new petrol BlueMotion leaves a lot to consider with such low running costs plus the £1,000 difference in P11D value – prices for the 1.4-litre diesel start at £15,740.
That means monthly tax bills of £36.73 at 20 percent, rising to £41.97 in April when the new tax year arrives. Compare that with the petrol, with its £26.90 and £31.79 bills respectively, and you’ll soon see why we think the latter powertrain is the way to go.
Available as a three or five-door, all Polo models come with a colour touchscreen, SD card reader, DAB radio and USB and AUX-in connections, as well as a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
BlueMotion models also include a more aerodynamic styling pack which includes uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts and rear roof spoiler, body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights with static cornering function and unique BlueMotion badging.
Other additional kit over the S trim includes 15-inch ‘Buenos Aires’ alloys with low rolling resistance tyres, leather steering wheel, alarm with remote central locking, air-con, front centre armrest, infotainment system, cruise control and Volkswagen’s Driver Alert System. This version of the Polo also comes with a Think Blue training system which gives hints and tips on how to drive more economically by analysing journey patterns.
To find out more about the Volkswagen Polo, read our full review here.
