VOLKSWAGEN is giving Mazda’s MX-5 some serious competition in its latest model aligned for production. VW chose January’s Detroit Motor Show to show off its BlueSport concept, designed from the outset to provide all the thrills of a performance car, but with a fraction of the environmental impact.
The similarities between the BlueSport badge and VW’s low-emission BlueMotion brand are no coincidence. The two-seater is fitted with a 2.0-litre TDI engine which produces 178bhp and 350Nm of torque.
That’s plenty of power for a car of this size, and thanks to the addition of VW’s six-speed DSG gearbox, automatic stop-start and regenerative braking, it’s efficient, too. Economy of 42mpg and CO2 emissions of 113g/km are more comparable to a supermini than a sports car. A host of weight-saving measures – the most significant of which is the manually operated roof – has ensured kerbweight is kept to 1,200kg. Acceleration is brisk – 0-60mph takes only 6.6 seconds, while the top speed is 140mph.
A mid-engined, rear-drive layout gives the car 45:55 weight distribution front to back, which makes for balanced handling. Unusually for an early prototype, the BlueSport feels solid and well built, while the direct steering and agile chassis offer plenty of feedback.
One thing that’s unlikely to change when the final car arrives is the clean-cut styling. The slender headlamps and narrow grille are design cues similar to those first seen on the Scirocco.
At the rear are LED light clusters, while the overall look of the tail is similar to that of the Porsche Boxster. A pair of luggage compartments, one in the front and one in the back, offers 182 litres of space. Climb inside, and a touchscreen display takes pride of place and leather trim is luxurious.
Although not yet officially confirmed, a showroom version of the BlueSport is a virtual certainty. However, it won’t arrive until 2012, when it will come with a choice of TSI and TDI engines.
This ecc roadster will be a star for future generations. Check out when Irish roads will benefit from its beauty through VW dealers Frank Hogan Motors, Pierse Motors in Tipperary town and Newcastle West Autos.
