In parallel to the new generation Golf, Volkswagen is presenting a concept car that is the most fuel efficient car of its class: the future Golf BlueMotion. With its average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers, it breaks the magic barrier of 4.0 liters for the first time in the Golf market segment. At the same time, CO2 emissions were reduced to 99 g/km – also a new top value in the class. This means that the Golf has attained the sensational fuel efficiency of the smaller Polo BlueMotion, which until today was the most economical car with five seats. In summer 2006, the Polo BlueMotion took the lead in the BlueMotion offensive; in this campaign the Polo was followed up by BlueMotion versions of the Golf (generation V including Variant wagon), Golf Plus, Jetta, Caddy, Touran, Sharan and Passat models. The offensive now reaches a crescendo with the debut of the Golf BlueMotion concept car.

The fact is: over the past two years the “BlueMotion” label has become a quality seal for a new generation of ex­tremely fuel efficient and low-emission cars. At the same time, the “BlueMotion” label demonstrates that fuel economy does not necessarily come at the expense of driving fun. And this is especially true of the future Golf BlueMotion.

The concept car is powered by a new, quiet and strong common rail turbo-diesel. The TDI does not lack in power by any means. Just the opposite: the 16-valve four cylinder delivers 77 kW / 105 PS and already develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton-meters at 2,000 rpm. Equipped with these key performance parameters, the engine accelerates the Golf BlueMotion to 100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds and attains a top speed of 190 km/h. Naturally, the concept car is equipped with a diesel particulate ­filter. Like all sixth generation Golf cars, the BlueMotion model already fulfills the Euro-5 emissions standard that becomes law next Fall.

On the one hand, the astonishing fuel economy of the concept car is accomplished by the typical detailed modifications made on all BlueMotion models, such as longer gear ratios (a five-speed manual transmission is used here), especially low rolling resistance tires and special aerodynamic modifications. On the other hand, the enormous potential of the 1,598 cm3 displacement common rail TDI engine was also instrumental in breaking the 4.0 liter barrier.

A look at the larger 2.0 liter versions – such as those already going into production at market launch – shows just how economical the new Golf TDIs are. A prime example here is the Golf TDI with 81 kW / 110 PS. It attains an average fuel consumption of just 4.5 liters diesel per 100 kilometers (119 g/km CO2), which is the fuel efficiency of the previous Golf BlueMotion with 77 kW / 105 PS!