While we are more keen to see the new Golf GTI concept at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen says we should first take a look at the new Golf BlueMotion Concept. This super economical hatchback is more relevant to the motorists than a hotted-up hatchback. They are probably right. After all, this thing does 3.2 l/100 km and 85 g/km CO2.
Those remarkable figures are the result of using an 81 kW / 110 PS BlueMotion 1.6-litre turbodiesel direct injection engine, which is farily gutsy for the economy it delivers. I mean it gives the five-seater Golf a top speed of 202 km/h. It also generates 250 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm, which means the acceleration shouldn’t be that bad either.
And anyway, you don’t’ buy a BlueMotion VW for performance. You buy it for economy and that’s what you get.
And the best thing about this car is that apart from a couple of badges no one will notice you are driving an eco0minded car. That is despite the fact that the body features many aerodynamic tweaks over the standard Mk7 Golf. It features 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.
The car is also as convenient, as well-equipped, and as comfortable as a normal Golf. Even the entry-level version comes with 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.
The new Golf BlueMotion will be launched into the market in summer 2013.
