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VW Reveals Ultra-efficient Golf BlueMotion Concept

Are hybrids not green enough for you? Do you prefer your eco-friendly ride to come with a touch of European panache as standard? Volkswagen may have just the vehicle for you…
Except they don’t. Not yet anyway. Their super-frugal, low-emissions Golf Blu


Are hybrids not green enough for you? Do you prefer your eco-friendly ride to come with a touch of European panache as standard? Volkswagen may have just the vehicle for you...

Except they don't. Not yet anyway. Their super-frugal, low-emissions Golf BlueMotion will launch sometime in mid-2009, but for now the concept version of the 78kW diesel-engined hatchback that was launched by VW today shows much promise as a genuinely economical car.

How economical? 3.18L/100km is the figure quoted by Volkswagen, and the Golf BlueMotion is said to emit just 99 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre as well - treehuggers take note. The Golf BlueMotion achieves its impressive fuel economy by using nothing more than a 1.6-litre turbodiesel motor that pushes out 78kW and 250Nm of torque, more efficient gear ratios, low rolling resistance tyres and some subtle aerodynamic revisions. No hybrid system, no electric motors, no H2O-powered witchcraft.

Indeed, when you remove the stickers that adorn the sides and bonnet of the Concept, you're left with a very ordinary-looking MkVI Golf - and that's a good thing, for not every environmentally-conscious motorist wants to cripple themselves style-wise by driving something as aesthetically awkward as a Prius.

The Golf BlueMotion is slated to go on sale in Europe in the middle of next year, a few months after launch of the rest of the new Golf range . An Australian release has yet to be announced, but given our increasing thirst for diesel-powered passenger cars, a BlueMotion debut Downunder may soon become a reality.

99 G/KM, 74 MPG: GOLF BLUEMOTION CONCEPT SETS NEW BENCHMARKS

Volkswagen has today unveiled the remarkable Golf BlueMotion concept vehicle, a car capable of achieving a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient vehicles currently on sale.

The BlueMotion label was first attributed to the Polo in 2006 and represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen's passenger car ranges. Since the Polo made its debut, BlueMotion versions of the Golf Mk V, Golf Estate, Golf Plus, Jetta, Touran, Passat, Passat Estate and Sharan have been launched.

The new Golf BlueMotion concept is powered by a highly-efficient and refined 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Despite the focus on economy the Golf BlueMotion concept can reach 62 mph from rest in a respectable 11.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 117 mph.

As with all BlueMotion models the Golf BlueMotion adopts a series of changes to drivetrain and aerodynamics in order to maximise the vehicle's efficiency. A set of low rolling resistance tyres are joined by optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. The resulting combination of changes works to reduce loading on the engine to drive up economy and reduce emissions.

In common with every diesel model in the forthcoming new Golf range the BlueMotion concept is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.

Even in standard non-BlueMotion form, the new Golf sets new economy standards. The entry-level diesel Golf will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail engine capable of achieving 62 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the current Golf BlueMotion model.

The new Golf will go on sale in the UK in January next year; the BlueMotion model will follow around mid 2009.

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