BlueMotion Golf Coming to Frankfurt

2007 Volkswagen BlueMotion Golf

Enlarge Photo

 Even though VW has dumped the Bluetec alliance — TheCarConnection.com was first to report VW would revert to the TDI badge in the U.S. — it’s still bringing “blue” cars to the fore.

While Bluetec is still Mercedes’s eco-friendly diesel range, BlueMotion is Volkswagen’s and the latter will be launching one of its most important new models at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The eco-friendly technology is already in the Polo supermini and Passat sedan, but now it’s going in the Golf compact hatchback. It will go on sale in Europe shortly powered by a 1.9-liter, 103-hp turbodiesel engine developing 184 lb-ft of torque. But a number of modifications have made it better for the environment than the standard car.

The ECU has been remapped to cut the unit’s idle speed, there are longer gear ratios in third, fourth, and fifth and overall lower average revs. A diesel particulate filter has also been fitted.

The chassis is slightly lower than before, while the styling of the underside and front grille has also been modified to improve aerodynamic performance. Inside there’s a gear recommendation indicator on the dashboard, telling the driver when to shift for the best eco-performance.

Finally, the car runs on new higher pressure tires that have been designed to have reduced rolling resistance. The result is 62.8-mpg fuel economy, up from 55 mpg over the standard car. VW reckons you will be able to go around 750 miles between fill-ups.

Related Articles

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Preview by Marty Padgett (6/28/2007)
VW’s new compact SUV gets turbo power.

Diesels Linked to Clogged Arteries by Bengt Halvorson (8/2/2007)
Emissions could add to heart disease, study says.

Mercedes Preps DiesOtto Engine by Richard Yarrow (7/26/2007)
New engine blends gas, diesel features.

Jetta Gets Clean Diesel TDI in ‘08 by Henny Hemmes (6/26/2007)
Sedan will be the first model with clean diesel engine.
2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Coverage by TCC Team (9/10/2007)