High Mileage Cars - VW Polo BlueMotion

One of the best high mileage cars is the diesel VW Polo BlueMotion. Volkswagen have a BlueMotion version of each of their models. These are the cars that have had some special treatment to give great fuel mileage and to make them environmentally friendly. The diesel Polo BlueMotion is in its second incarnation and it boasts incredible figures - combined fuel mileage is 83 miles per UK gallon (BlueMotion vehicles are not available in the U.S.) and 90 g/km of CO2 emissions. This Polo is one of the most efficient cars you can buy.


The first generation Polo BlueMotion was also a very high mileage diesel car returning 72 miles per gallon but reviewers criticised its noisy engine and poor steering. It was a car in need of refinement.


The high fuel economy was a result of designers adding a new grille, smaller wing mirrors and a clever rear wing to improve the aerodynamics of the Polo. Low rolling resistance tyres were also included. The Polo's 1.4 litre 3 cylinder diesel engine was tweaked by adding a new variable turbocharger, a new exhaust and a new catalytic converter. The ratios of the five speed manual gearbox were lengthened to squeeze more speed for fewer engine revolutions and generally the 195 Nm diesel coped ok with the demands.


Volkswagen took a big risk with the changes to the BlueMotion's list of features and for some it was a step too far in the name of economy. In order to keep the weight of the Polo to a bare minimum and decrease fuel consumption they removed a lot of fairly basic equipment that you expect all cars to have these days - air conditioning, power mirrors, central locking.


Volkswagen's second and latest version of the Polo BlueMotion is a definite improvement on the initial incarnation. Their new baby diesel returns better fuel economy, is more refined and boasts intelligent new features. The high mileage small car has a brand new engine - a smooth 1.2 litre diesel powerplant replaces the old 1.4 litre noisy engine. While only 74 bhp is available its a very refined engine and is a big improvement over the outgoing one. Top speed is only 107mph and 0-60 takes a leisurely 14 seconds but the car now returns a massive 83 mpg and emits just 90 g/km of carbon dioxide.


New technology includes a gear change indicator to tell the driver when the most efficient time to change gears is. The car also now has regenerative braking powering a stop start system. The new features all work well. The gear change light encourages you to change up very early and the stop start system is seamless. The high mileage Polo is a more enjoyable car to drive now.


Awards for the Polo BlueMotion have come thick and fast including the winner of the European Car of the Year. Its only fault now is price which certainly negates part of its money saving fuel mileage. This car costs about £14,500 in the U.K. which is very expensive for a supermini. Another high mileage supermini is the Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex which can be yours for around £11,500. I'm not convinced you're getting £3,000 of extra value with the VW. Having said that the Polo BlueMotion is still one of the best high mileage cars in current production.