Volkswagen Germany has revealed that pricing for its Polo Blue GT model will start at € 19,650 when it goes on sale in the last quarter of 2012.
The Polo Blue GT, which made its world début in Geneva, uses the 1.4 TSI from Volkswagen’s EA211 series of petrol units designed to fit into vehicles using the new MQB platform. The 1.4 TSI develops 103 kW (138 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, yet it consumes just 4.7 litres (DSG: 4.5 l) of fuel every 100 kilometres on a combined cycle. Impressive figures for a car capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).
That reluctance to drink is partially down to the Stop/Start function and battery regeneration system, but also the engine’s ability to run on two cylinders at low load. The cylinder deactivation (ACT or Active cylinder management) occurs between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm and at torque outputs from 25 to 100 Nm – which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of all driving states in the EU driving cycle. A press of the accelerator reactivates the two redundant cylinders within 13 to 36 milliseconds.
Externally, the Blue GT borrows its LED daytime running lights, rear spoiler and rear bumper with diffuser from the hotter GTI model, while its aerodynamically optimized windscreen rain channels and side sills are usually seen on the Polo BlueMotion. GT badging, a set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, gloss black grille and mirror housings complete the look. Moving inside, there’s a mixture of GTI instruments with exclusive Blue GT sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
[Source: Volkswagen Germany]