Volkswagen Polo BlueGT 1.4 TSI ACT 3dr Car Review - June 2013

The 1.4 litre engine that is included in the BlueGT version of the Polo has had plenty of technology incorporated into it, and it efficiently delivers acceleration from 0-62mph in a swift 7.9 seconds. The top speed of 130mph is second only to the Gti in the Polo range, and makes this version a powerful car, that is matched with a generally good driving experience. The ride is quite comfortable for such a quick vehicle, although the steering is weighted a little vaguely, meaning it doesn't quite match up with the Ford Fiesta for driving pleasure.

The driving position itself is excellent, and getting comfortable is not a problem at all with plenty of adjustment for height and reach both in the driver's seat and the steering wheel. Visibility is fine too, while the clever and efficient centre console is very intuitive making it simple to use while driving.

The Polo is one of the most well established vehicles in the Volkswagen range, and over the years it has adopted many of the looks of its big brother, the Golf. The narrow grille and the rounded headlights are similar to that of the Golf, but this is no bad thing with the lines of the car very attractive, although it is worth noting that this performance version of the Polo doesn't have as many sporty touches as the Gti. The car is supplied with a set of seventeen inch alloys that give it a subtle finish.

The interior of the car does have a unique three spoke steering wheel with the BlueGT logo stitched into the leather, while the CD stereo features MP3 connectivity. The model is also provided with air conditioning to keep the cabin comfortable, although the electric windows are only in the front in this three door version of the BlueGT.

The space on offer in the cabin of the Polo is good in the front of the car, although getting two adults in the back seats can be a bit of a squeeze, while this three door version does make it a little difficult to get in and out. Boot space is good rather than great, but for those journeys that require a larger load space, the rear seats do fold forward.

The range of electronic assistance systems in the Polo is good, including stability control and traction control, along with front and side air bags, although the curtain air bag is only an optional extra in this model. Volkswagen generally has a fairly good reliability record, and this version of the Polo should be durable enough too.

With a list price of £17,535, the BlueGT version of the Polo is just below the Gti in the Polo range, and while it offers a great balance of power, performance and efficiency, the list price still seems quite high. The strong feature of the 1.4 litre engine in this model is that it is not only very quick, but also offers an average 61.4mpg.

Another plus point with this version of the Polo is that the low fuel emissions mean that road tax costs should also be quite reasonable. The car is supplied with an on the road package of a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and roadside breakdown assistance for the first year.