Earlier this year Volkswagen introduced its first BlueMotion model to the South African market with the debut of the all-new Touareg 3,0 TDI. This model is now joined by two additional BlueMotion models; a Polo and Golf.
BlueMotion is VW’s umbrella term for technologies that help reduce its vehicles fuel consumption. BlueMotion started in 2006 when Volkswagen first launched Polo BlueMotion. Since then the German automaker has launched several BlueMotion models in Europe.
BlueMotion models are very frugal and the new Polo to carry that moniker has a combined fuel consumption of just 3,4 litres/100 kilometres (equivalent to 89 g/km CO2). This means that drivers can expect a range of nearly 1 200 km from the 45 litre fuel tank. Power comes from a 1,2-litre turbodiesel engine. The three-cylinder engine develops its maximum torque of 180 N.m from 2 000 r/min. Peak power is 55 kW and is developed at 4 200 r/min. VW claim that the BlueMotion Polo can sprint to 100 km/h from rest in 13,9 seconds and on to a top speed of 173 km/h.
Only slightly less economical than the Polo is the new 1,6 TDI Golf BlueMotion. This models consumes just 3,8 litres/100 km. Emissions are quoted as 99 g of CO2 per km. This, according to VW, makes the Golf BlueMotion the most fuel-efficient car in its class. It has a theoretical driving range of approximately 1 300 km from its 55 litre tank. The 77 kW four-cylinder engine develops maximum torque of 250 N.m at 1 500 r/min. Quoted performance is zero to 100 km/h in just 11,3 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h.
To achieve these impressive consumption figures, both models employ new common rail TDI engines, recovery of braking energy by regenerative braking, stop/start systems, low rolling resistance tyres, special lightweight and aerodynamic wheels, lowered suspension (Golf) and refined aerodynamic components.
The Polo BlueMotion has revised styling details designed for the lowest possible air drag. These include a nearly closed upper radiator grille, a new front spoiler lip, optimised side skirts, new rear bumper and rear spoiler designs, aerodynamic underbody components and 15-inch alloy wheels fine-tuned in the wind tunnel with tyres developed for low rolling resistance.
The Golf’s exterior revisions include a modified radiator grille with chrome trim, bumpers and side skirt extensions, 15-inch ‘Wellington’ alloy wheels with tyres developed for low rolling resistance-, smoked rear lights, roof edge spoiler in GTI design and BlueMotion badges on the radiator grille and bootlid. Like the Polo BlueMotion model, the Golf will also be available in the special colour “Glacier Blue metallic”.
Retail price of the 1,2 Polo 55kW TDI BlueMotion is R175 400, which includes a three years/120 000 km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. A service or maintenance plan is optional.
The 1,6 Golf TDI BlueMotion 77kW sells for R265 600 and comes standard with a five years/90 000 km service Plan, three years/120 000 km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
Service intervals for both models are set at 15 000 km.
