The Polo BlueGT is the first Volkswagen model equipped with the company’s new 1.4-liter TSI engine featuring the ACT cylinder deactivation system to be offered in Britain. Available to order from today, it costs £17,400 on the road with deliveries expected in mid-December.
At the heart of the car is VW’s new 1.4-liter TSI EA211 turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 138hp (140PS) and 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque.
The ACT system automatically deactivates the second and third cylinders under light and medium loads at engine speeds of between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm, and at torque outputs of 25 to 100 Nm (18 to 74 lbs ft).
Once the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the two cylinders are reactivated. According to the German carmaker, all mechanical switchovers occur within 13 to 36 milliseconds, depending on engine speed. A display icon on the instrument panel informs the driver when the system kicks in.
VW says that the deactivation of two cylinders produces fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle, and as much as one litre per 100 km at a constant speed of 30mph (50km/h).
The Polo BlueGT returns 61.4 mpg UK (4.6lt/100km or 51.1mpg US) on the combined cycle and emits 107 g/km of CO2, regardless if drivers opt for the six-speed manual or the seven-speed DSG transmission.
While frugal, the BlueGT is no slouch as the car’s top speed is 130 mph (209km/h) and zero to 62 mph takes just 7.9 seconds.
Volkswagen’s supermini rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and a 15mm lowered suspension.
On the outside, it borrows some features from the GTI including the rear spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser, plus front bumper with LED daytime running lights, as well as from the BlueMotion, such as the side sills and front windscreen rain channels.
As for the interior, the black headliner and instruments are sourced from the GTI, while other features include the bespoke sport seats and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
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