The Volkswagen BlueSport’s turbocharged 2.0L diesel engine “returns fuel economy ratings of 35 mpg for city driving and 50 mpg on the highway, with an very low CO2 level of 113 g/km.” The BlueSport produes 177hp and 258 lb-ft of torque which propels the car from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds. The car reaches a top speed of 140 mph. There is a 6 speed dual clutch gearbox. I took a Volkswagen GLI for a test drive a while back and the shifting of the transmission was a little twitchy. I hope the BlueSport feels different. I owned a Honda S2000 which had a much more fluid feel.

There are two additional features, an automatic stop-start system and regenerative braking which help boost fuel economy.

To keep the car’s weight below 2,600 pounds, VW used a manually operated canvas top as well as an aluminum hood and deck lid. The vehicle rides on 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with 235/35ZR19 tires in front and 245/35ZR19s in the rear.

Cool tech inside the car includes a touchscreen interface, and an automatic climate control system. You can control the audio system, onboard computer, transmission and hands-free mobile phone from the steering wheel.