Volkswagen shows off 71mpg Polo BlueMotion concept car

Volkswagen is set to expand its BlueMotion range of fuel misers with the launch of a new version based on the recently revealed fifth-generation Polo hatchback. While the Polo BlueMotion isn’t due to hit the streets until next year, a concept version of the car has made an appearance at today’s Geneva Motor Show.

If the concept’s initial mileage figures are anything to go by, VW may just have its hands on one of the world’s most fuel efficient five door hatchbacks. The Polo BlueMotion concept has a claimed fuel economy figure of 71mpg (3.3L/100km) – blasting the 60mpg (3.9L/100km) 2009 model completely out of the water.

The key to its miserly ways is a brand new 1.2L TDI engine that reduces the Polo’s CO2 emissions to just 87g/km. Development work on the 1.2L TDI powertrain is yet to be completed but the head engineer of the project, Dr. Hackenberg, insists that it will be ready by February of next year.

Other systems that help to the car save fuel include an automatic engine start-stop system and regenerative brakes. These two technologies alone reduce fuel consumption of the 75hp (55kW) three-cylinder direct-injection diesel by up to 0.2L per 100km.

But that is not all that is being done. On the Polo BlueMotion concept car, which weighs in at just 1,080 kilograms, VW is calling upon an entire array of efficiency measures, including an aerodynamic package for the body that is lowered by 10mm (including modified front end), an aerodynamically optimized underbody and low rolling resistance tires on 15in alloy wheels. Altogether, these modifications yield fuel savings totaling 0.8L/100km and has lowered CO2 emissions by about 20%.

Other features being presented on the Polo BlueMotion concept car include a custom interior and a splay for indicating optimal shift times and tire pressure.