Geneva 2012: Volkswagen Polo BlueGT

The Volkswagen Polo BlueGT makes its debut at the 2012 Geneva motor show. This new VW Polo model has a sporty makeover, but clever engine technology means that its impressively green and fuel-efficient.

The Polo BlueGT is the latest VW Group car and the first VW - to use active cylinder management (ACT) technology, which shuts off some of the engines cylinders under light engine load, to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Similar technology has already been used for various Audi and Bentley models.

See also: All Geneva motor show 2012 news

Power comes from a 138bhp 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which is enough to give a -0-62mhp time of 7.9 seconds.

When little strain is put on the engine, two of the cylinders are shut down. At a steady 31mph, for example, average fuel consumption is reduced by up to 18mpg. With a manual gearbox, average fuel economy is 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions are 108g/km. If the optional DSG sem-auto gearbox is fitted, the figures are 62.8mpg and 105g/km.

The Polo BlueGT gets a sporty makeover that includes features adapted from the Polo GTI and Bluemotion models. There are more aggressive bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, a black radiator grille, a 15mm lower ride height and a rear spoiler.

Inside, theres a GTI-style instrument display, black rooflining and pillar trim, leather steering wheel trim, sports seats and chrome details.

The Polo BlueGT goes on sale in Europe in July. A UK launched hasn't been confirmed, but VW sources told us that the car is 'highly likely' to come to the UK, and will probably arrive in September. If it is launched here, the BlueGT will slot into the range between the 1.2 TSI and hot-hatch GTI models, so a starting price of around 17,000 is likely.

Leo Wilkinson