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Promising outstanding fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions of just 99 g/km, the new model will be priced from ?11,995 for the BlueMotion 1 while the BlueMotion 2 with higher levels of equipment starts at ?12,845.

As the BlueMotion 1 benefits from a combined fuel consumption figure of 74.3 mpg and CO2 output of 99 g/km, it qualifies for a place in the exclusive tax-exempt Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) band 'A'. For comparison, the standard 1.4 Polo Diesel emits 119 g/km of CO2, while the Toyota Prius Hybrid is not even excempt from VED as it emits 104 g/km.

The efficient new Polo will be offered in two guises ? BlueMotion 1 and BlueMotion 2. Adding to the BlueMotion 1's list of standard equipment which includes diesel particulate filter, twin front and side airbags, a CD player and electric windows, the BlueMotion 2 benefits from air conditioning, rain sensing windscreen wipers, remote central locking and leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob. The BlueMotion 2 emits 104 g/km of CO2 while returning a combined 70.6 mpg.

Powering both BlueMotion variants is an advanced 1.4-litre, three-cylinder unit injector diesel engine, with turbocharger, intercooler and exhaust gas recirculation. It's linked to a bespoke five-speed gearbox with new, longer ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears to reduce engine speeds and improve economy. In addition the exhaust system features a diesel particulate filter to help cut emissions further. Despite the keen focus on economy the BlueMotion remains, like any Polo, a usable everyday car. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.8 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 109 mph. Reduced aerodynamic drag, low rolling resistance tyres and weight saving all play their part in making the Polo BlueMotion as efficient as possible while not affecting the safety performance of the Polo's body structure in any way.

The Polo BlueMotion went on sale in mainland Europe last year. Demand for the vehicle was such that production at the Pamplona plant in Spain was more than tripled to reduce the waiting list for customer orders. In the UK the Polo BlueMotion will be offered in three- or five-door bodystyles with a choice of four colours ranging from black through Grey Anthracite and Ice Silver to Candy White. Regardless of the body colour the wing mirrors and trailing edge of the rear bumper are finished in silver.