Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion: Details

Press Release

Polo BlueMotion Key Aspects

• New Polo BlueMotion Consumes an Average of Just 3.9 Liters Diesel
• 176 km/h fast Polo BlueMotion brings fuel economy and dynamics into harmony
• Polo BlueMotion from Volkswagen is the most economical 5-seater in Europe

Volkswagen introduces the extremely economical Polo BlueMotion. Power: 59 kW / 80 hp. Average fuel economy: 3.9 liter diesel per 100 kilometers. A savings compared to the equally powerful and already very economical Polo TDI engine in the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline versions: 0.5 liter better. The reduction in fuel consumption was achieved by longer gear ratios, aerodynamic refinement and internal modifications to the engine. The new Polo is shifted using a manual 5-speed transmission.

With a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard equipment, the Polo BlueMotion offers agile driving performance in spite of its considerable economy. Its 3-cylinder direct injection turbodiesel reaches its maximum torque of 195 Newton-Meters at a low 1,800 rpm, due to an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, and this maximum torque remains constant up to 2,200 rpm – more than enough to provide for a commanding emergence from the lower rpm cellar. Some more key data: 176 km/h top speed and 12.8 seconds for the 0-100-km/h sprint.

Driving performance and the visual appearance of the modified body emphasize that the Polo BlueMotion is taking a more dynamic position than the world champion of economy, the Lupo 3L TDI with its 45 kW / 61 hp, that was produced through the end of 2005. More pluses for the new Polo BlueMotion are its full-grown interior with space for five persons and unlimited suitability for everyday driving.

Of wide-ranging significance is the second word in “Polo BlueMotion”. “Blue” – the Volkswagen color – suggests the elements of water and air. “Motion” embodies the aspect of mobility that is looking forward into the future. The objective is to advance BlueMotion to be the bearer of a quality seal that stands for economy without compromising driving fun.

Within the Polo model series BlueMotion marks the most recent highlight in a marketing campaign in the small car market segment. Volkswagen started this campaign in 2005 with a technically and visually improved generation of Polo cars. After this foundation was laid, there followed at the end of 2005 the introduction of the dynamic Polo GTI and early in 2006 the introduction of the spirited and robust CrossPolo design. Now with the new Polo BlueMotion, Volkswagen is introducing the German market leader’s most economical variant among the “compacts”.

BLUEMOTION ENGINE

• The 59 kW / 80 hp strong three-cylinder TDI was trimmed for minimal fuel consumption

The first technical pillar supporting the low average fuel consumption of under four liters diesel per hundred kilometers is the three-cylinder TDI with 1,422 cm3 displacement on the Polo BlueMotion. It delivers 59 kW / 80 hp at 4,000 rpm and develops its maximum torque of 195 Newton-Meters when engine speed reaches 1,800 rpm. The new pump-nozzle engine with electronically controlled direct injection sports a modified charge exchange process (exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry) and optimized Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) together with a more powerful EGR cooler and electrically actuated EGR valve.

The Polo BlueMotion with Euro-4 emissions standard classification will be delivered with a diesel particulate filter as standard equipment in all markets. An especially quick reacting oxidation catalytic converter with thin-wall technology also contributes toward reduced emissions. Engine temperatures are kept in check by an oil cooler, for example.

The spirited Polo BlueMotion demonstrates in many ways how an especially environmentally-friendly automobile can also offer up a lot of fun. First: It saves cash at the gas pump with its fuel economy. On average, one hundred kilometers of driving costs 4.45 euros with this Volkswagen (Basis: 3.9 Liter x 1.14 euros per liter of diesel in Germany, prices at end of June 2006). Second: The Polo BlueMotion 3 drives and drives and drives… Its 45 liter fuel tank capacity combined with 3.9 liter per 100 kilometer consumption yields a theoretical driving range of more than 1,150 kilometers. At this point it should be mentioned that its fuel consumption (highway) has been reduced to 3.2 liters per EU Guideline 80/1268/EWG. Third: Its economy does not detract at all from its agility; its driving performance is as good as unaffected by consumption-reducing measures. The Polo BlueMotion delivers a thoroughly powerful performance and, like the Polo 1.4 TDI it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 12.8 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 176 km/h (Polo 1.4 TDI: 174 km/h).

BLUEMOTION TRANSMISSION

• The conventional five-speed transmission exhibits a high level of everyday comfort and reduces fuel consumption with its longer gear ratios

The second technical pillar of fuel savings lies in power transmission. The MQ200 five-speed gearbox got longer gear ratios for use in the Polo BlueMotion. The effect: A reduction in rpm level. In particular, ratios for gears three through five are between 12 and 24 percent longer. The effect: From now on, the three-cylinder TDI will operate in its most efficient speed range even more often and for longer periods of time. A brief explanation of the transmission name MQ200: M stands for manual control, Q refers to the use of a transverse mounted, and 200 refers to the transmittable engine torque of 200 Newton-Meters.

Modifications in the powertrain area are supported by 14-inch alloy wheels specially designed for the Polo BlueMotion. Standard equipment for the wheels: Low rolling resistance tires sized 165/70 R 14.

BLUEMOTION BODY

• New front-end aerodynamics reduce air resistance of the Polo BlueMotion

The third pillar supporting reduced fuel consumption is optimized aerodynamics. The front end in particular was modified significantly. A front spoiler optimized for fluid dynamics as well as a new radiator grille surround that is covers to nearly just a lateral gap, lead the way through the head wind with low air resistance values. Aerodynamics were also improved at the rear end. Among other things a roof edge spoiler is used here. All aerodynamic measures were based on calculations and test studies in the wind tunnel, after which design engineering converted these findings into suitable components (cw = 0.3 cw x A = 0.62).

The Polo BlueMotion is available in a two-door and a four-door version. The Volkswagen measures 3,916 millimeters in length, 1,650 millimeters in width and 1,467 millimeters in height. Its wheelbase dimension is 2,466 millimeters. As is usual in other models of the brand, body panels are fully galvanized. Not least, this makes it possible for Volkswagen to offer a warranty of twelve years against rust-through. The high-strength body is not just resistant to corrosion, it also offers ideal protection in case of accidents with its crash-optimized safety structure.