Frankfurt green news: Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
Volkswagen will offer stop-start technology for the first time in the new Polo BlueMotion. This super-efficient new model, which produces just 87g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, will also be the first to use VW's new regenerative braking system that recoups energy when the car is slowing down to help charge the battery.
What's all the fuss about?
Volkswagen is very proud that this new Polo BlueMotion is so efficient and clean. This has been achieved by a variety of new technologies for VW. For starters, the Polo BlueMotion is the first VW to use stop-start technology, which turns the engine off when the car is standing still and instantly fires up the engine again when the driver presses the clutch pedal. There's also regenerative braking for the first time, which charges the battery as the car is slowing or braking. All together, this represents a big step forward for VW's green strategy.
What makes it so green?
With carbon dioxide emissions of just 87g/km, the Polo BlueMotion is one of the cleanest cars in the world. It's also one of the world's most economical cars with an average consumption of 85.6mpg. This is all achieved thanks to a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbodiesel engine that makes 74bhp. With efficiency and emissions figures like these, the Polo BlueMotion gives the best hybrid cars on the market a good run for their (more) money.
When can I buy one?
It will be early in 2010 when the Polo BlueMotion goes on sale in the UK, with prices expected to start at around £11,500 for the entry-level model.
Frankfurt green news: Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion pictures
