Volkswagen unveiled its new Polo at Geneva and confirmed that the range will be joined by a sub-100g/km BlueMotion version shortly after its launch.

Due to go on sale in the UK in October, Volkswagen hopes the slightly longer and wider Polo will appeal to company car drivers looking to cut their benefit-in-kind tax bills.

Vince Kinner, head of Volkswagen Fleet Services, said: “The Polo’s unveiling comes at a demanding time for fleet managers as they continue to look for ways to reduce costs, while drivers are looking to reduce their personal taxation liability but still want the qualities of high-end models.

"The new Polo offers a strong incentive to downsize without losing out on quality and refinement.”

At launch the range will offer 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines ranging from 60 to 105bhp, and two 1.6-litre TDI diesels with 75 and 90bhp.

Shortly after launch the BlueMotion model will appear, using adapted gear ratios to eke 74mpg from the 1.6 TDI engine. CO2 emissions will be 96g/km.

But this model will be superseded by a BlueMotion II model next year which promises 85mpg combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 87g/km – making it the lowest emission model in the UK.

The second-generation model will use a 1.2-litre diesel engine delivering 75bhp and achieves its impressive emission and economy figures by using stop-start technology, regenerative braking, longer gear ratios, lowered suspension, revised aerodynamics and low rolling-resistance tyres.

  • Volkswagen also confirmed details of a range of BlueMotion models for the new Golf.

Two models will go on sale in the UK in June, both powered by a 1.6-litre TDI engine delivering 105bhp.

However, specification changes will result in two CO2 figures – 119g/km or 106g/km – achieved through the fitment of a wider ratio gearbox, aerodynamic improvements and a lower ride height.

Towards the end of the year a 99g/km BlueMotion will arrive, although this will be a more basic package than the other two.

It will, however, feature the stop-start and regenerative braking systems used on the Polo BlueMotion II.

Once this model arrives, the 119g/km version will lose its BlueMotion status and become the standard entry-level diesel Golf.