27.9.2012 VW announces new Golf BlueMotion

Making its motor show debut alongside the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf in Paris is one of the world's most fuel-efficient cars: a concept for the new Golf BlueMotion.

The 3rd generation Golf BlueMotion is a family car with five seats and many comfort and safety attributes. It is predicted to return 88.3 mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 85 g/km of carbon dioxide, and set for UK launch in 2013.

The first generation of the Golf BlueMotion made its debut five years ago at the Geneva Motor Show, with the car coming to market in mainland Europe at the end of 2007. At that time, the Golf BlueMotion set new standards for its class with a fuel consumption value of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.

In 2009, Volkswagen showed the second-generation Golf BlueMotion in Geneva: here was a concept car whose fuel consumption had been reduced to 74.3 mpg and emissions cut to 99 g/km.

The fact that fuel consumption for the third Golf BlueMotion has now been reduced by another 15% and CO2 emissions by 14 g/km to a class-leading 85 g/km is a reflection of Volkswagen’s continuous technical progress. With its 50-litre fuel tank and 88.3 mpg fuel consumption, the new Golf has a theoretical range of 970 miles.

The car's combined fuel consumption has been achieved through innovative lightweight design (including 26 kg less weight in the running gear and 37 kg less in the body), engine-related modifications and a collection of other measures. These include super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios (five-speed manual gearbox, the start-stopt function and battery regeneration systems that are standard in all new Golfs, plus specific aerodynamic modifications.

The frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 m2 and aerodynamic drag by nearly 10%. Compared to other Golf models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were also refined by a lowered ride height by 15 mm, a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a masked front grille, partially closed air inlet screens, optimised cooling system airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. These measures provide the Golf BlueMotion with a drag coefficient value of 0.27, making the car one of the most aerodynamic in its class.

At the heart of the new Golf BlueMotion concept is a 1.6-litre 110 PS TDI from the newly developed EA288 engine series. The four-cylinder 16-valve unit develops its maximum torque of 250 Nm from just 1,500 rpm up to 2,750 rpm.

Various measures such as reduced internal friction, an innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase, exhaust gas recirculation, cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump, switchable electric water pump and water-cooled intercooler right in the intake manifold result in successfully reducing fuel consumption and emissions. To reduce emissions values further, Volkswagen has also implemented an oxidation catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter.

The Volkswagen Golf model has always been a popular choice of vehicle, for both private and business users. The third-generation BlueMotion, with outstanding fuel economy and emission figures, is likely to continue to be well-liked.

Newspress