by auto123.com
Transport Canada recently showcased its ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles (eTV) fleet and I personally had the privilege of driving a 2009 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. The goal of this demonstration by the federal government was to display and put to the test various new technologies and alternative powertrains, meaning different from what we’re generally used to.
The little VW Polo BlueMotion, unknown to most North Americans, is a really fascinating car in terms of advancements and environmental friendliness. It brilliantly helps drivers rediscover the joys of fuel economy.
Our tester, a three-door hatchback model, was powered by a tiny 1.4-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine featuring direct fuel injection. Output is a meager 80 horsepower but, more importantly, the available torque amounts to 144 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.
The main purpose of this Volks obviously lies in its incredible fuel efficiency, which is rated at 4.9 L/100 km in the city and a ridiculously-low 3.2 L/100 km on the highway. These numbers easily best any hybrid currently sold in Canada.
Simple solutions, big results
In order to maximize the thriftiness of the engine, the German automaker is using simple techniques and technologies that deliver impressive results.
Of course, it goes without saying that a 1,422-cc powerplant is not a gas-guzzling V8, but there are many more features that make the Polo so efficient. The variable-geometry turbocharger works like a charm to maximize torque distribution across the entire rev range. The lower the revs, the smaller the opening in the turbine.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with extended 3rd, 4th and 5th gear ratios, the engine of the Polo BlueMotion improves cruising characteristics, saves a considerable amount of fuel and, as a direct result, produces much fewer greenhouse gases.
The little VW Polo BlueMotion, unknown to most North Americans, is a really fascinating car in terms of advancements and environmental friendliness. It brilliantly helps drivers rediscover the joys of fuel economy.
Our tester, a three-door hatchback model, was powered by a tiny 1.4-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine featuring direct fuel injection. Output is a meager 80 horsepower but, more importantly, the available torque amounts to 144 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.
The main purpose of this Volks obviously lies in its incredible fuel efficiency, which is rated at 4.9 L/100 km in the city and a ridiculously-low 3.2 L/100 km on the highway. These numbers easily best any hybrid currently sold in Canada.
Simple solutions, big results
In order to maximize the thriftiness of the engine, the German automaker is using simple techniques and technologies that deliver impressive results.
Of course, it goes without saying that a 1,422-cc powerplant is not a gas-guzzling V8, but there are many more features that make the Polo so efficient. The variable-geometry turbocharger works like a charm to maximize torque distribution across the entire rev range. The lower the revs, the smaller the opening in the turbine.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with extended 3rd, 4th and 5th gear ratios, the engine of the Polo BlueMotion improves cruising characteristics, saves a considerable amount of fuel and, as a direct result, produces much fewer greenhouse gases.
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