The Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI BlueMotion as tested here is the first Polo BlueMotion with a TSI engine – can a small petrol turbo beat the economy of a small diesel turbo?
What is BlueMotion?
The concept behind the Volkswagen BlueMotion cars is low resistance – low air resistance (caused by air drag) and low rolling resistance (through tyres and drivetrain). It is the optimisation of aerodynamics and detail spec like low-friction tyres, all with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and minimising emissions.
The BlueMotion idea, VW says, wants people to Think Blue – think of the blue sky and blue water, with blue symbolising nature. So in essence, the BlueMotion cars are to help save the environment.
You will identify the full BlueMotion models by the closed-off radiator grille with BlueMotion badge, and aerodynamic add-on body kit extending the bumpers and side downwards, and different style of wheels and eco low-friction tyres. The turbine-style alloy wheels are specific to the Polo BlueMotion, yet despite the modern shiny surface, the general opinion is that this wheel does not suit the Polo, even prompting a young observer to ask: “What ugly Polo is this?” If VW had fitted a more normal-looking wheel, keeping the same aerodynamic benefits, of course, it would be less odd. Adding an aero kit but keeping smallish high-profile tyres is never an eye-pleasing combination.
Some other VWs like the Golf 7 and some Tiguan have BlueMotion Technology badges, which mean they do not have the full BlueMotion programme benefits – only some of the technology, to make a low-fat version. The Polo 1.0TSI BlueMotion is the fat-free product.
Differences inside for a full BlueMotion is the light blue stitching on the seats and light blue wavy pattern cloth, unique to BlueMotion. The “Think Blue. Trainer.” display helps you save fuel – it shows your Blue Score out of 100, and the average fuel consumption since start (since you last started the engine, which nudges you to drive gently at every trip – not just over between refills).
The Polo BlueMotion is spec-wise similar to the Polo Comfortline, but gains items like cruise control and the rear roof spoiler for the economy factor.
Polo facelift
When the Polo facelift happened in mid 2014, along with the smart new even higher-quality look, the old-fashioned engines 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines were replaced by the 1.2TSI turbo petrol, in 66kW/160Nm spec for Trendline and Comfortline models, and a stronger 81kW/175Nm for the stylish-looking Highline models (Highline trim was added for that small executive look). The TDI models were not available for a while, and the BlueMotion waited for its upgrade.
VWSA then brought the Polo BlueMotion facelift model in August 2015, but it was no longer a TDI – the BlueMotion became TSI. Significantly, at the same time a new 1.4TDI engine was introduced to replace the previous 1.6TDI.
Appreciably, VWSA has added a standard service plan on all Polo facelift models valid for 3 years or 45 000km, which was a cost-option previously.
TDI BlueMotion or TSI BlueMotion… or TDI?
Driving the Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI BlueMotion brought out the engine character as being the typical 3-cylinder thrum, but also very quiet. Its credentials are 70kW at 5000 to 5500 r/min, and torque of 160 across 1500-3500 revs (which is exactly where you need it). The claimed urban consumption is 5.0, and the combined cycle 4.2 l/100km. With a mix of urban and highway driving, the average since refueling showed as 7.4, and long-term consumption at 6.9 average. Hmmm, not quite near 4.2 then.
The 1.0TSI has 70kW, which is 15 up on the 1.2TDI’s 55kW, but the TDI develops that 55kW at 4200 r/min, where the petrol needs to rev to 5000 to reach peak power – on a power output graph, the 2 are closely matched at 4200 r/min. The TDI also has 180Nm, trumping the TSI’s 160Nm. In overtaking and up the hill, the TDI felt the more lively mill.
In general driving, the little 1-litre turbo (competing with Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost of the same size and layout) is energetic enough. Only, when in a hurry and going up a hill with speed humps, the small engine turbo syndrome rears its ugly head – the turbo, which gives it its torque in mid-range and helps the economy, now suffocates the little engine. Don’t get stuck in 2nd gear when climbing a speed hump, as the BlueMotion will suddenly have no acceleration, meaning the driver needs to quickly either slip some clutch with higher revs, or snap back to 1st gear.
When its predecessor Polo 1.2TDI BlueMotion was reviewed, the extremely low fuel economy was a clear benefit. Its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo diesel seemed to be the clear winner, showing a clean tailgate BlueMotion badge to any hybrid or other small diesel car.
Will the TSI BlueMotion be able to take over the floating trophy from its TDI BlueMotion predecessor? The TDI had an unbelievably low consumption – the TSI, well, is just small-car economical… the norm.
The 1.4TDI 3-cylinder comes in 55kW at a low-low 3000 revs and 210Nm at 1500-2000 for the Trendline spec (VWSA added a cheaper TDI model, as the previous 1.6TDI was only available in Comfortline) and a 77kW at a low 3500 plus torque grown to 250Nm from 1750 to 2500 revs. The prices are R 231 900 for the Polo 1.4TDI Trendline and R 261 400 for the Polo 1.4TDI Highline (VWSA upgraded TDI to top Highline spec) while the 1.0TSI BlueMotion sits in the middle of them, at R 243 800 (January 2016 pricing).
So the question is: TDI BlueMotion or TSI BlueMotion… or TDI? Well, the previous 1.2TDI BlueMotion is no longer available. The TSI BlueMotion is priced between the pair of TDI models, but in real life everyday driving, the TDI models with their claimed 4.1 combined fuel use is lighter, and will most likely give you a better overall consumption, with pulling torque, and more widely-acceptable appearance. You can save by getting the 1.4TDI Trendline (though the TDI asks a R 22 900 premium over the 1.2TSI Trendline) or spend R 17 600 and upgrade to the eager performance plus great economy in the 1.4TDI Highline… and you have the more elegant looks, like the the very Golf-looking chrome detailing in the grille and lower front bumper, and bigger (more normal looking) wheels in standard 16-inch or sporty optional 17-inch. What’s more, the BlueMotion cannot have any options of a sunroof, leather, towbar or LED headlights.
Unless you specifically like the BlueMotion and want to stand out with a different Polo, a Polo 1.2TSI or 1.4TDI, especially, makes a better buy.
Article Source.. Auto Trader
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