Golf BlueMotion to debut at Frankfurt

Volkswagen will be firing off the next salvo of its BlueMotion offensive at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. In total, six new models with technology that is as economical as it is environmentally-friendly, will debut at the world’s largest car show. One of the highlights there: The new Golf BlueMotion. At just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km (62.8 mpg), its fuel consumption has been reduced by a full 0.6 litres compared to the original model. Similarly, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. Actions taken on the BlueMotion make it so efficient that now distances of more than 1,200 km (745 miles) are possible on just one Golf tank of fuel (55 litres). Market introduction of the Golf BlueMotion is scheduled for the end of this year in Germany.

After the Polo, Passat and Passat Estate, the Golf is the fourth Volkswagen to wear the new BlueMotion environmental badge on its radiator grille and rear hatch, identifying it as the most economical model in the range. The Golf BlueMotion is driven by a TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS and a hefty 250 Nm (184 lbs ft) of torque that has already achieved recognition as an efficient engine.

A software intervention in engine management reduces the idling speed of this diesel combined with a particulate filter and simultaneously improves its emission performance. With longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears, engine speed levels are also lower while driving. These actions alone reduce consumption by about 0.2 litre.

Less apparent but no less necessary for a gain in economy are the thoroughly trimmed and thereby flow-optimized underbody as well as the nearly enclosed radiator grille. To ensure that the TDI engine still gets enough cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion has an effective dual fan. Thanks to aerodynamic design measures, including lowering of the chassis, the Golf’s cW value of 0.32, which in itself is a good value, was further improved to 0.30.

In the hunt for every gram of CO2 Volkswagen is also relying on light-running tyres, size 195/65 R15, optimized for rolling resistance; they are driven at higher air pressure, elevated by 0.3 bar. When all of the modifications come together in the end product, the top speed of the Golf rises from 187 km/h to an electronically limited 190 km/h (118 mph).

When it comes to equipment options, the Golf BlueMotion customer can choose between the Trendline and Comfortline*. The base price of the Golf BlueMotion Trendline is 20,615 euro* and this makes it just 315 euro more than the base price of a Golf 1.9 TDI Trendline. When adjustments are made for equipment options, the BlueMotion is even more economical than previous TDI versions with 105 PS and diesel particulate filter. Besides the aerodynamic modifications already mentioned, standard equipment includes the Multifunctional Display Plus (MFA Plus) with gear recommendation arrow and sports suspension. Thanks to its attractive price positioning, the purchase of a Golf BlueMotion already pays off from the first kilometre – and not just for the environment, but also for customers’ budgets.

(* Please note price and specification details are relevant to German market only. UK details will be announced closer to launch in early 2008)