With global warming threatening to warm up our shores to the extent that we'll live in a Mediterranean climate, I went out and bought some baking oil to help top up my suntan. The idea of sitting out on Christmas day sipping on my Pina Colada by the swimming pool isn't exactly my idea of hell. In fact I thought I'd speed up the process so I jumped into the latest Volkswagen Polo and revved off to the shops rather than walk the 100 yards, washed my clothes on the hottest wash possible, threw out all my recyclables as normal rubbish and then washed the Volkswagen Polo with a high powered hose and left the water running for a good five minutes after I needed to.
It was a good day and one that followed to the next until in one week my carbon footprint had grown to the size of a big, not-so-friendly giant. This frivolity seemed infallible; surely everyone will thank me for warming up our cold winter? Then it happened - my road to Damascus moment. I was packing my ten items into ten separate plastic carrier bags in a supermarket when the cashier asked if I needed so many. Sensing her mis-understanding, I explained that I was helping people just like her and if anything, I should be revered rather than lambasted. "Haven't you thought that if the polar cap melts we won't have a country to worry about?" came the response. There and then the energy-saving light bulb in my head switched on, I bought a reusable carrier bag and changed my life.
I can now often be found separating my cardboards from my plastics ready for recycling and be seen cheerfully walking to the shops. I am rehabilitated into sustainable and 'green' thinking and won't be caught falling off the wagon like Pete Doherty. "Bet you still drive though" you're probably saying, to which I'd happily say "yes" and point in the direction of the one aspect to remain unchanged - the Volkswagen Polo.
You see, it's not just any VW Polo, it's a Bluemotion 1 and that means it's greener than a bag of frozen peas. In fact, the car is so low on carbon dioxide emissions (just 99g/km of the stuff) that it is exempt from being charged road tax as it falls into the VED Band A. Not really sure the ins and outs of this classification but it'll save you plenty of cash that's for sure.
The savings don't end there either. The fuel consumption is so low you'll think the gauge is broken as it seems to stay wedged on 'full'. In fact the exact return is 74.3mpg from the 1.4 litre diesel engine and although you won't receive whiplash from the acceleration (a 0-60 time of 12.8 seconds) it's nippy enough to get around town and refined enough on tear up the motorway miles.
Airbags, CD player and electric windows are standard across the Bluemotion range, although for a bit of extra cash the aptly named Bluemotion 2 offers central locking, rain-sensing automatic windscreen wipers and air-conditioning. The extra weight of these extras does increase CO2 emissions to 104g/km which means the road tax collectors will come knocking on your door.
Quite frankly though all the above means diddly squat if the driving experience is reminiscent of that bit in Casino Royale where Bond has his nether regions smacked about with a piece of knotted rope. You needn't worry as the rest of the Bluemotion is near enough like any other Volkswagen Polo. The 14 inch alloy wheels are wrapped in larger profile rubber to reduce resistance against the tarmac and inevitably this means handling is slightly woollier than on a standard Polo. Despite this, the overall driving experience remains a good one - especially motorway driving where wind and road noise are kept to a minimum.
The styling retains the German elegance of the current Volkswagen range, with the Bluemotion gaining a subtle rear spoiler and smaller mirrors to help aerodynamics and in turn increase efficiency. The alloy wheels mentioned earlier set the car apart from it's siblings without being too brash. My personal favourite has to be the rear light clusters that give the back end of the Polo the look of Optimus Prime from Transformers.
So there you have it. If you want to help save the planet, consider buying a Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion - just don't expect it to turn into a robot to help out.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Tours of Bentley of Beefeaters
By: diane | 20-07-2008
Do you know if there are tours of the Bentley Motor Car Factory in Crewe England and also the Beefeaters Gin distillery? My husband and I will be in London 8/31/08 for a week. Please help!
This website said i was approved for an auto loan ...
By: missnichole21 | 20-07-2008
this website said i was approved for an auto loan so what do i do next
Where is the ac relay in bmw x5
By: naddy | 20-07-2008
where is the ac relay in bmw x5
1998 sw2 saturn wagon
By: susie | 20-07-2008
how do i fix a broken motor mount on a 1998 sw2 saturn wagon
Sluggish uphill performance
By: curious | 19-07-2008
what would cause a 5-speed car to struggle going uphill? It a honda accord and even downshifting didn't produce any additional power. It almost felt like the car wasn't even running. It has never done this before. Besides this it runs beautifully and really smooth. It just had no power climbing hills.
Hey, My 350 Tubo 3 Speed will not go into highgear ...
By: smithj44 | 18-07-2008
Hey, My 350 Tubo 3 Speed will not go into highgear. Change screen and fluid.
Joe
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Automotive Articles
Hydrogen for Cars - Build Your Own Hydrogen Generator Car
By: Richard Legg | 26/07/2008
If you are one of the many people who are looking to make some savings on gasoline, or are trying to find ways to increase gas mileage, then you have probably heard talk of hydrogen for cars and ways to build your own hydrogen generator car. And if you are anything like me, you probably thought that it all sounded ridiculous and a bit Sci Fi.
Picking the Best Auto School
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
If you have an ambition of making it big in the automotive industry, you have to plan yourself for success and hard work. However, if you have ambitions more than just been a lube mechanic or a tire mechanic, get education from a good automotive repair or automobile training school.
A...
Water As Fuel For Your Car
By: James Gold | 25/07/2008
Recently the internet has been raving with topics about converting car to run on water as fuel supplementing the gasoline consumption.
This is highly attributed to the fact of soaring oil prices and global environmental issues.
It is pressing for common individuals relying on car transportation to make a living and many...
Taking a Glance at Electronic Automotives
By: Tom Tessin | 25/07/2008
Everything around has become smarter with the invention of technology, especially electronic automobiles or automotives. With the invention of electronic and digital components, life in the office and home has become much easier than it could have been.
Life for auto users has become easier and comfortable due to the increase...
What is a Hypermiler?
By: Mick Legg | 24/07/2008
I came across what I thought was a new word the other day "Hypermiler." I had just come home and caught the end of some show or documentary on the TV and it kept referring to this strange word "Hypermiler." Now as I didn't know what it meant but the...
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
By: Abe S. | 24/07/2008
Getting a new car is always an exciting time - whether the car is bought outright or leased from the dealership. Many people believe that their car, much like their home, is an extension of the person they are or indicative of the person that they may become. A car...
How to Find Good Motorcycle Boots
By: Frank Medley | 24/07/2008
Your motorcycle boots need to be able to do a variety of things. You want them to be comfortable, but also sturdy and protective. They must also have great traction and not wear out quickly. The reality is that a motorcycle boot must also be able to protect you properly...
How Gas Discount Cards Save You Money on Gas
By: Tom Tessin | 23/07/2008
At present, people have started complaining on the skyrocketing gas price and are finding difficult to pay for it.
The introduction of gas discount cards acted as a boon for auto users, as they have made them to purchase auto fuel at an affordable price. Certainly, this is also a good...
More from Jake Delur
S2000 at Your Honda Dealer
By: Jake Delur | 23/07/2008 | Automotive
I absolutely love driving. I think those four words probably sum me up best and there are very few occasions when that fact is ever in doubt. Unless a white van is involved I rarely get agitated with other road users. Speed humps are annoying but rather than get angry...
Marmite for the Road at Your Volkswagen Dealer
By: Jake Delur | 18/07/2008 | Automotive
Of my rich tapestry of friends, one of my favourites works as a salesman at our local Volkswagen dealer. He's not my favourite because I went to school with him - because I didn't. I rarely nip out for a pint with him and he doesn't participate in football which...
Automotive 
