Polo BlueGT’s Active Cylinder Management (ACT) can reduces fuel consumption by up to 10% at low loads.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Aug. 6, 2012
2013 Polo BlueGT - $24,278 USD (includes VAT) at today’s exchange rates and a 52.3 mpgUS combined on the NEDC. Maybe 42 mpgUS combined on our own EPA?
The Volkswagen Polo in its many forms has always been a fuel miser and while some variants were nothing more than science experiments released to the European public, they were all hyper efficient for their day. What the range has been missing (other than the GTI of course) is decent performance. With VW’s latest iteration, that Achilles Heel is no longer the case.
The original Polo made its debut in 1975 with almost 13 million units sold to date. Volkswagen’s latest Polo is now a BlueGT. It combines the VW ‘dynamics’ and VW ‘fuel efficiency’ to create a gasoline fueled vehicle unlike the many trims incorporating TDIs in the past with previously unobtainable levels of fuel economy. A technical highlight of the Polo BlueGT is its TSI engine with active cylinder management (ACT) which automatically shuts off two of the engine’s four cylinders. Volkswagen is the first manufacturer to implement such a system in a four-cylinder engine.
Active cylinder management (ACT) temporarily deactivates the second and third cylinders under low to medium load states with fuel economy in the EU driving cycle increased by almost 9%. In slow speed steady state operation, the PoloGT can provide an increase of up t0 20% when compared to a nonACT equipped VW 1.4L TSI.
The 1.4L direct injected turbo in the Polo BlueGT develops a power output of 138 HP and 184 lb-ft. of torque yet is rated at a 51.1 mpgUS combined on the NEDC with the stick and the already posted 52.3 mpgUS with the 7-speed DSG. Where it differs from its genealogy is it not only has a top speed of 130 mph and a 60 dash time of 7.8 seconds. This engine would work just fine in an American Jetta or Golf and is probably the same one arriving in the VW Jetta Hybrid (minus ACT) later this fall.
VWs latest BlueMotion Technologies incorporated into the BlueGT includes a Stop/Start system, battery regeneration and additional aerodynamic hardware.
Features
The new Polo BueGT is includes new 17” alloys, a roof edge spoiler, modified bumpers (with diffuser on rear bumper), distinctive side sills and a .6 in, lower ride height. Inside owners will see an ACT indicator and tire pressure in the MFD, CC and sport seats up front.
The Polo BlueGT will be available in the fourth quarter for $24,278 including VAT.
Re: VWs 1.4L I4 with Cylinder Deactivation
Linear Mode
