Geneva  - Volkswagen highlighted the new, fuel-efficient Polo BlueMotion with fuel consumption of 3.3 litres at the Geneva Motor Show. Production will probably be scheduled for 2010.

A team led by Development Chief Ulrich Hackenberg said development of the new 1.2 litre TDI engine had to be completed first, but that: "I anticipate that we will be able to go into production in February 2010."

Equipped with stop-start technology and regenerative braking, the company lists carbon dioxide emissions at just 87 grammes per kilometre. Other fuel-saving measures include an aerodynamic package that lowers the body by 10 millimetres and low rolling resistance 15- inch alloy wheels.

The regenerative system converts kinetic energy during braking and deceleration into electric energy to charge the battery and to lower alternator voltage and reducing the engine load. Volkswagen presented the Polo concept car in Geneva under the new umbrella brand "BlueMotionTechnologies".

The label covers all production-mature or near-production technologies and products that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. (dpa)