Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept, 2012

 

•  Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept, 2012

The Volkswagen has revealed one of the world's most fuel-efficient cars: a concept of the new VW Golf BlueMotion. The Golf - powered by another new 1.6-litre TDI (turbodiesel) - consumes just 3.2 l/100 km; this value equates to CO2 emissions of a mere 85 g/km. Nonetheless, the 81 kW / 110 PS Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is a five-seat well-rounded vehicle that is capable of 202 km/h and can accommodate an entire family safely and comfortably throughout the year. This third generation Golf BlueMotion will be launched into the market in summer 2013.

Fuel consumption reduced by 15 per cent
Continually better fuel efficiency. The first generation of the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion made its debut five years ago at the Geneva Motor Show; the car was launched into the market at the end of 2007. At that time, the Golf BlueMotion set new standards for sustainability with a fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (119 g/km CO2). In 2009, Volkswagen showed the second generation Golf BlueMotion, also in Geneva (as a concept car); its fuel consumption had been reduced to 3.8 l/100 km (99 g/km CO2); first deliveries of the production version of this VW Golf BlueMotion were made in October of the same year. The fact that fuel consumption for the third Golf BlueMotion could now be reduced by another 0.6 litres or 15 per cent and CO2 emissions by 14 grams per km is a reflection of continuous technical progress. Given its 50-litre fuel tank and 3.2 l/100 km fuel consumption, the new Golf has an astonishing theoretical range of 1,562 km. Given an average annual driving distance of 15,000 km, most drivers will only have to refuel this Volkswagen ten times per year - given the current price of fuel in Germany (Source: German Petroleum Industry Association, July 2012) this would amount to a total fuel cost for the year of a manageable 694 euros.

Weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance reduced
Lighter, leaner, more efficient. The car's combined fuel consumption - the lowest ever attained in a conventionally-fuelled Golf - was enabled by innovative lightweight design (including 26 kg less weight in the chassis and 37 kg less in the superstructure), engine-related modifications and a collection of other measures. These include super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios (5-speed manual gearbox), the Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode that are standard in all new Golf cars and specific aerodynamic modifications.

Aerodynamics. In the area of aerodynamics, the frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 m2 and aerodynamic drag (cD x A) by nearly 10 per cent. Compared to other Golf models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were also refined by a lowered chassis (by 15 mm), a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a radiator grille that is closed to the outside, partially closed air inlet screens, optimised cooling airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. These measures take the Golf BlueMotion to a cD value of 0.27, making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.

New generation of TDI engines. In the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion concept car, Volkswagen is employing a 1.6-litre turbodiesel direct injection engine from the newly developed EA288 engine series. The sixteeen-valve, four-cylinder engine develops its maximum torque of 250 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm; this torque is available up to an engine speed of 2,750 rpm. Various measures and technologies such as reduced internal friction, an innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump, switching 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.

BlueMotion as Trendline and Comfortline
Until now, the most fuel-efficient Golf was only offered as a single specific BlueMotion model. That will be changing with the new model, because now it will be possible to order the production version as either a Trendline or Comfortline equipment version. The new Golf BlueMotion will also be exclusively offered with 15- and 16-inch wheels to optimise weight, aerodynamics and rolling resistance.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI Trendline
Like all seventh generation Golf cars, the entry-level model to the BlueMotion world is equipped with such features as seven airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC); the car can also be ordered as a two-door or four-door. Additional standard features in the Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI Trendline include a touchscreen with 5-inch TFT display, filler neck with guard against use of the wrong fuel, luggage compartment cover, ECO-HMI (display of fuel efficiency and tips on improving it in the multifunction display), the multicollision brake, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, XDS limited-slip differential, tyre pressure indicator and variable cargo floor.

Also standard: daytime running lights, green heat-insulating glass, air conditioning, locking glovebox, chrome rings around the interior air nozzles, Easy Entry (two-door), asymmetrically split folding rear seatbacks, electric door mirrors, electric windows, rear wiper with intermittent function, electromechanical steering, height and length adjustment of steering column, height adjustable driver's seat, dust and pollen filter, central locking with RF remote control, height adjustment and belt tensioners for the front seatbelts, disc brakes at all wheels and safety-optimised head restraints.

The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI Comfortline
The even more extensively equipped Comfortline level adds 16-inch alloy wheels, ParkPilot front and rear, a more exclusive instrument cluster, sliding drawers under the front seats, the new Composition Touch radio system including SD card interface and a fatigue detection system. Also included are front comfort seats with lumbar supports, cargo pass-through option and centre armrest on the rear bench seat, chrome look for the rotary light switch and mirror adjustment switches, storage pockets on the backrests of the front seats, a storage bin with lid in the roofliner, a 12V accessory outlet in the boot, illuminated vanity mirrors, fabric floor mats and leather-trimmed steering wheel and leather gear shift grip.