Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Polo Bluemotion 1.2 TDI

The latest Bluemotion model continues to set efficiency benchmarks - but can it compete with the Ford's lively driving dynamics?

THE latest Volkswagen Polo got off to a slow start, trailing the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Mazda 2 on its road test debut. But it’s gaining momentum.

A model with the new 1.2-litre TSI engine took revenge on the Clio in a recent twin test, while the hot GTI saw off SEAT’s Ibiza Bocanegra too. Now, the green-minded BlueMotion variant has arrived…

Advertisement - Article continues below

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the VW Polo

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68451","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

A range of visual tweaks mark it out from regular versions, but the BlueMotion doesn’t look any worse for its gloss black grille, rear spoiler and aerodynamic front bumper.

In a further attempt to reduce drag, the BlueMotion gets more aerodynamic door mirrors, plus underbody panels to smooth the flow of air beneath. Only the fussy lightweight alloy wheels detract from the smart, grown-up styling.

VW has put the BlueMotion on a weight-saving diet, too, but jump inside, and there is little obvious evidence of this. The regular Polo’s familiar high-quality upper dash and simple cabin design remain, while standard equipment includes a leather steering wheel and cruise control – neither of which is fitted to the Ford.

Rear space is on a par with the Fiesta, and boot capacity is virtually identical. However, the Polo features a simple single-piece rear seat rather than the more versatile split-folding set-up in the Fiesta.

Maximising fuel economy is the aim of both of these cars, and to make the most of its lightweight design and aero additions, the VW gets stop-start and brake regeneration.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Civic Tourer

2015 Honda

Civic Tourer

23,617 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £12,178
View Civic Tourer
Astra

2023 Vauxhall

Astra

11,209 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,199
View Astra
EcoSport

2019 Ford

EcoSport

16,963 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,495
View EcoSport
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

45,973 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Grandland X

Power comes from a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 74bhp. That’s 20bhp less than its rival’s unit, although the Polo takes the upper hand immediately as it emits CO2 at a miserly rate of only 91g/km – meaning you pay no road tax.

Around town, the less powerful VW copes with the cut and thrust of rush-hour traffic, although you have to drive it much harder than the Ford to keep up with the flow. Our performance figures back up this impression, as the VW trailed the Ford by two seconds in the sprint from 0-60mph, recording a time of 14.6 seconds.

In-gear punch in the higher ratios is also in short supply, as the Polo took a leisurely 14 seconds to accelerate from 50-70mph in fifth; the lively Fiesta completed this assessment 2.9 seconds faster. The lack of urge isn’t so much of an issue at constant cruising speeds and motorway pace. But the VW is less refined than its rival, and uphill stretches of road will have you reaching for a lower ratio.

When you leave the dual carriageway behind, the Polo fails to put a smile on your face in the same way as the Ford. Its steering doesn’t provide as much feel as the engaging set-up in the Fiesta, body roll through corners is more pronounced and the gearshift is notchy; the ECOnetic delivers much slicker changes.

The VW still puts in a solid performance on the road, and its effective and confidence-inspiring brakes leave the Ford’s in the shade. But the poor low-speed ride highlights bumps that the Fiesta glides across and the low-rolling-resistance tyres provide less grip in corners.

These models stand or fall by their efficiency, though, and the Polo is not only the cleaner car, but also more economical. In its time with us, it returned 47.8mpg. This looks even more impressive when you consider that it includes the period we spent at the track carrying out our performance tests.

The BlueMotion isn’t without compromises – the firm low-speed ride and limited straight-line speed count against it. But it’s cheaper to buy than its rival and doesn’t cost as much to run – so this test is set to be close.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: BlueMotion range has become an established part of VW’s line-up – and this diesel Polo has claimed 80mpg potential.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,135
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025