Among all the new Golfs on the Volkswagen stand at the Paris Motor Show was the concept version of next year’s new Golf BlueMotion.
One of the foremost ‘green cars’ each generation of Golf BlueMotion has set new standards in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk we take a look at the three generations of Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion First Generation
Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, the car appeared in mainland Europe at the end of 2007. The Golf was actually the fourth VW model to get the BlueMotion make-over after Polo, Passat and Passat Estate, and was based on the Golf Mk V model.
Setting a new standard in diesel-powered C-segment cars, the first generation model had a fuel economy of 62.8mpg with CO2 emissions of only 119g/km, environmental figures that still hold their own today. Volkswagen managed to set this new benchmark thanks to a host of clever innovations, the engine used (VW Group’s impressive 105PS 1.6-litre TDI) was already recognised as an efficient engine, yet VW went further by adding a particulate filter, introduced longer gearing ratios in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears, and reconfigured the engine management software.
- CO2 Emissions: 119g/km
- Fuel Economy: 62.8mpg (combined cycle)
The engineer’s also lowered the chassis and optimised airflow underneath the body to improve drag. The final component was Volkswagen’s reliance on light-running tyres for optimised rolling resistance.
The Golf BlueMotion also included that now near ubiquitous gear change indicator on the dash to highlight to the drive that they should be changing gear.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Second Generation
Drivers didn’t have to wait long before the second generation Golf BlueMotion was revealed. This time based on the Mk VI Golf, the second generation model was the first time the Golf’s CO2 emissions had dropped below the 100g/km threshold, coming in at just 99g/km. The Golf BlueMotion was one of six world premieres for the brand at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009.
Fuel economy was also boosted to 74.3mpg, with Volkswagen making a whole host of improvements to the model’s running gear and engine. An enhanced cooling system, new gearing ratios, crankshaft and valve improvements, and a new 105PS 1.6-litre TDI engine were all employed on the green model.
- CO2 Emissions: 99g/km
- Fuel Economy: 74.3mpg (combined cycle)
The second generation model was also the first to include engine start/stop which automatically switched the engine off when idling, such as waiting at traffic lights. The final new technology present on the second generation model was the introduction of regenerative braking. When braking or in deceleration, the alternator’s voltage is boosted and used for bulk recharging of the car’s battery.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Third Generation
Looking close to production form at the Paris Motor Show 2012, the next iteration of the Golf BlueMotion will be one of the world’s most fuel efficient cars when it launches in the summer of 2013.
The third generation model made its motor show debut alongside other Mk VII Golfs. Volkswagen is expecting fuel consumption to drop a further 15% and CO2 emissions by 14% compared to the second generation model. With its 50-litre fuel tank the new Golf has a theoretical range of 970 miles. Assuming an average annual driving distance of 10,000 miles, most drivers will only have to refuel eleven times a year.
For this generation, the engineers have looked at ways of reducing the car’s weight, this has lead to 26kg stripped out of the running gear and a 37kg lighter body. The latest generation low rolling resistance tyres have been used while even longer gear ratios are employed.
- CO2 Emissions: 85g/km
- Fuel Ecomony: 88.3mpg (combined cycle)
The frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 m2 and aerodynamic drag by nearly 10 per cent. Also present is another BlueMotion staple of a lowered ride height (15mm lower than a standard Golf), while the front grille has been masked, with further improvements to underbody panelling.
The third generation model will also get a 110PS 1.6-litre TDI developed from the EA288 engine series. To reduce emissions values further, Volkswagen has also implemented an oxidation catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter.
Richard has been writing about cars since 2008. His favourite motoring topics include the latest fuel-saving technology but also high performance cars – he's conflicted like that. When he doesn't have his writing (or marketing) hat on, he can be found traipsing around the British countryside. Or drinking a skinny latté.
Richard Lawton
October 04, 2012
Filed under: Volkswagen
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