Volkswagen previewed its most frugal iteration of the Golf 7 with its unveiling of the Golf BlueMotion concept at this year’s Paris Motor Show. While it may impress with CO2 emissions of less than100 g/km and a low fuel consumption figure, it still managed to raise the ire of the folks from Greenpeace.
The BlueMotion concept (basically a thinly veiled production car) is powered by a four-cylinder 1,6-litre turbodiesel engine developing 81 kW and 250 N.m of torque. More impressive are the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which stand at just 3,2 L/100 km and 99 g/km.
These savings are partly down to structural revisions to the chassis and superstructure that collectively shave 63 kg off the curb weight, optimized aerodynamics, improved thermal management, longer gear ratios, super low-rolling resistance tyres, energy recuperation and start/stop technology.
Despite these eco-friendly concessions, the Golf BlueMotion still managed to get up the hackles of a number of Greenpeace protestors present at the Paris Motor Show. The protestors waved anti-Volkswagen/Golf placards and even climbed up into the light rigging above the stage where a VW spokesperson was presenting the concept to drape a yellow banner saying “you are polluting us” over proceedings.
The protestors want VW to accelerate the development of production-viable and affordable alternative propulsion technologies, such as hydrogen fuel-cells and plug-in EV powertrains. Greenpeace’s display didn’t appear to rattle the VW spokesperson, who, fater the protestors were removed from the event, remarked “we’re delighted Greenpeace are here to recognize our work with their comments on our products and technology.”