VW Golf BlueMotion Concept Gets 62 mpg

VW Golf BlueMotion Concept Gets 62 mpg
2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept

2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept

Enlarge Photo
Piggybacking the announcement of its Gen VI Golf (Rabbit here in the states), VW installed its 1.6-liter common-rail diesel into a version of that vehicle to achieve 74.3 mpg on the European cycle (that equates to roughly 62 mpg in U.S. terms). A bit smaller than the 2.0 TDI in its newest U.S. offering, the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, the 1.6-liter mill in the Golf BlueMotion Concept generates 104 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.

While these power figures hobble it in the race to 60 mph against a Prius, at 11.3 seconds to 62 mph according to VW, it's wholly respectable given its miserly consumption. And if it drives anything like the 2.0-liter unit in the Jetta TDI, it will likely yield its max torque quickly, making it feel sprightlier than its performance numbers indicate.

This is big news for VW as this new BlueMotion model matches the fuel economy and CO2 emissions (99 g/km) bar set in '06 by the smaller, lighter VW Polo BlueMotion.

When VW releases the first TDI Golf in the U.K. in January, it will have a less powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbodiesel that we get here in the U.S. currently in the Jetta TDI. VW claims that engine will yield 62 mpg on the combined European cycle (just over 50 mpg in the U.S.), but also notes that the BlueMotion model with the 1.6-liter will become available in Europe "around mid 2009."

Would you be terrified by a nearly-twelve-second 0-6o mph time? The original People's Car would get dusted by a Golf BlueMotion, and Americans bought those 40-horse sleds in droves. Tell us if you prefer this answer to green problems, or if you'd rather wait on the new Prius or Honda Insight or 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Photo from nextautos.com and VW 2008 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion ConceptEnlarge PhotoPiggybacking the announcement of its Gen VI Golf (Rabbit here in the states), VW installed its 1.6-liter common-rail diesel into a version of that vehicle to achieve 74.3 mpg on the European cycle (that equates to roughly 62 mpg in U.S. terms). A bit smaller than the 2.0 TDI in its newest U.S. offering, the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, the 1.6-liter mill in the Golf BlueMotion Concept generates 104 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. While these power figures hobble it in the race to 60 mph against a Prius, at 11.3 seconds to 62 mph according to VW, it's wholly respectable given its miserly consumption. And if it drives anything like the 2.0-liter unit in the Jetta TDI, it will likely yield its max torque quickly, making it feel sprightlier than its performance numbers indicate. This is big news for VW as this new BlueMotion model matches the fuel economy and CO2 emissions (99 g/km) bar set in '06 by the smaller, lighter VW Polo BlueMotion. When VW releases the first TDI Golf in the U.K. in January, it will have a less powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbodiesel that we get here in the U.S. currently in the Jetta TDI. VW claims that engine will yield 62 mpg on the combined European cycle (just over 50 mpg in the U.S.), but also notes that the BlueMotion model with the 1.6-liter will become available in Europe "around mid 2009." Would you be terrified by a nearly-twelve-second 0-6o mph time? The original People's Car would get dusted by a Golf BlueMotion, and Americans bought those 40-horse sleds in droves. Tell us if you prefer this answer to green problems, or if you'd rather wait on the new Prius or Honda Insight or 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Photo from nextautos.com and VW



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Responses (13 total)

  1. By Ed #1, Posted: 9/9/2008

    Who gives a rat's ass, in today's $4 gas environment, about the stupid 0-60????
    The golf has FAR superior styling, interior, and handling than the stupid Prius, and now it also has vastly superior, REAL WORLD MPG!!!!
    "It is the MPG, Stupid!"
    THIS, not the butt-ugly, pie-in-the-sky Volt, is the BIG NEWS
    But don't tell it to the junior high students that posted the 88 or so comments on the Volt article.
    And never mind the VColt article had ZERO content, just a bunch of arrogant SOBS posing next to an EMPTY, UGLY SHELL of a Cobalt-like GM bore.
    and NO numbers whatsoever, no Power, Torque, Accel, and not even MPG!!!

  2. By Arnold Borok #2, Posted: 9/9/2008

    That's great. Diesel is now $4.60 per gal. in my area, what mieage will the VW get with air cond. and auto transmission?
    My '74 Bug still runs great and gets 32+ MPG. Fun to row around town.

  3. By Ed #3, Posted: 9/9/2008

    The golf is much bigger inside and outside than the Bug, has far more power, and still will get almost twice your 32 MPG. Unbelievable. I doubt A/C would reduce that by more than 1-2 mpg.
    Even with diesel fuel being 10% more expensive than gas (or even 15%!), when MPG doubles, it is an obvious advantage.

  4. By Kurt Hoenig #4, Posted: 9/9/2008

    I love my VW and think 62 MPG is something I will look forward to in the very near future.

  5. By Neil #5, Posted: 9/9/2008

    SInce VW has failed in every way to consistently deliver diesel products across its US lineup at any one time. COupled that with thei inability to deliver a diesel today, I'd say it will be ages for this thing to really be available.
    VW management are close to inept when it comes to delivering diesel in the US in the 21st century.

  6. By  Jeff #6, Posted: 9/10/2008

    Ummm.... Jetta TDI sedans and sportwagens are hitting US dealers again now. Rumors of a Tiguan TDI next spring and hopefully they bring a TDI to the Rabbit (Golf) and Passat lines again.

  7. By bob #7, Posted: 9/10/2008

    ...oh...and guess what... you don't have to replace $10000 worth of batteries after 10 years

  8. By Casey #8, Posted: 9/13/2008

    Go V-DUB!!!

  9. By Jim #9, Posted: 9/13/2008

    Volkswagon needs to change their name. It used to stand for peoples car, I think they need to add RICH to the name since the idiots at vw cant seem to remember what the name stood for.

  10. By Stu #10, Posted: 9/14/2008

    Um actually if you watch myth busters you will know that you actually get better gas mileage with the windows up and the ac on

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