9.11.2012 New Polo BlueGT uses ACT technology

The 1.4l petrol engine used in the new Polo BlueGT incorporates the latest Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) to provide the performance of a petrol car with the fuel frugality normally associated with a diesel.

The new Volkswagen Polo BlueGT, due to be launched in December, features a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 140 PS and 250 Nm (185 lbs ft) of torque, yet it returns 61.4 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 107 g/km of CO2. Top speed is 130 mph and zero to 62 mph takes just 7.9 seconds.

At the heart of the Polo BlueGT, and responsible in large part for its combination of high performance and high fuel economy, is the new EA211 engine. Under light and medium loads, the second and third cylinders are automatically shut down, producing fuel savings of up to 8.7% as measured on the official driving cycle.

Cylinder deactivation occurs 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). If the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the two cylinders are imperceptibly reactivated. All mechanical switchovers occur within 13 to 36 milliseconds, depending on engine speed. The multifunction display in the instrument binnacle lets the driver know when cylinders are deactivated.

The new Polo BlueGT comes with multi-spoke 17-inch alloys and GT badges front and rear, while the suspension is lowered by around 15 mm. Added to this are some features borrowed from the Polo GTI (the rear spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser, plus front bumper with LED daytime running lights) and some from the Polo BlueMotion (side sills and front windscreen rain channels).

Inside, as in the Polo GTI, the roof lining is in black, while the instruments are also adopted from the GTI. Up front are bespoke BlueGT sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with BlueGT emblem. Standard specification includes DAB radio with iPod connectivity, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connection and XDS electronic differential lock.

The BlueGT is now available for order, with deliveries expected in mid-December. RRP OTR prices for Polo BlueGT with 1.4-litre 140 PS TSI ACT engine start from £17,400.

For more info: volkswagen.co.uk/technology