Model tested: Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion 1 3dr
Price: £12,120
Date tested: March 2008
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Overall rating: 75%
Volkswagen has created a green Polo, called the Bluemotion. Its 1.4-litre diesel engine emits just 99g/km of CO2, exempting it from road tax; this ultra-efficient car could be the solution everyone is looking for.

1. Looks
The BlueMotion looks different from a standard Polo; the most noticeable changes are the 14-inch wheels with low-resistance tyres. There are also unique front and rear bumpers, and an all-new front grille.
8/10

2. Looks inside
You know what to expect with a VW cabin: classy, tactile materials plus blue and red illumination for the instrumentation. The dials are clear, but the interior doesn't change based on the bodywork colour.
7/10

3. Practicality
The Polo isn't tiny any more, so there's plenty of space inside. The 250-litre boot grows to more than 1,000 when the seats are folded, and there's bags of room in the cabin for everyone.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
Those skinny, low resistance tyres don't produce much grip. The suspension is firm, and the deeper bumpers mean care is needed with speed humps. The BlueMotion is noisy too, particularly under acceleration.
7/10

5. Performance
Despite its environmental credentials, the BlueMotion has a 12.8 second 0-62mph time and the 109mph top speed is more than adequate. Driving economically takes a little getting used to though.
8/10

---

---

6. Running Costs
The BlueMotion is expensive, but you're paying for the economy and the fact it's tax exempt, thanks to CO2 emissions of 99g/km. The extra kit of the BlueMotion 2 bumps it into tax band B. Average fuel consumption is 74.3mpg and insurance is group 5.
8/10

7. Reliability
Should be few worries here. Volkswagens can put up with big mileages easily, and the Polo feels built to last.
8/10

8. Safety
The Polo has a four-star EuroNCAP rating; all models have brake assist and airbags for the driver and passenger. Curtain airbags and a deactivation switch for the passenger 'bag are both cost options.
7/10

9. Equipment
Given the £12,000 price tag, equipment levels are poor – air-con and remote central locking aren't included. The BlueMotion 1 gets 14-inch alloys, electric heated door mirrors and electric windows. BlueMotion 2 adds air-con, illuminated sun visors, automatic wipers and headlights plus remote central locking.
6/10

10. X-Factor
Looking for a green car? The BlueMotion should fit the bill. And with Volkswagen's residuals plus the fact many owners will not pay to tax it, it could be the perfect choice.
8/10