Geneva 2009: Golf Plus BlueMotion

**phaeton** · 04-03-2009, 06:01 AM

Golf Plus BlueMotion consumes 0.5 liter less than the prior model

Most fuel efficient Golf Plus will already launch on the market in September
Range of well over 1,100 kilometers on just one tank of fuel

Wolfsburg / Geneva, 03 March 2009
Volkswagen will be bringing the new generation of the Golf Plus BlueMotion to European markets in September. Compared to its already extremely fuel efficient and low-emissions predecessor (4.8 liters per 100 km and 127 g/km CO2), the new model successfully improves fuel economy and emissions even more. And indeed to 4.3 liters diesel and 114 g/km CO2 – the new benchmark in the segment of high-roofed compacts. This progress was made possible by the second generation of a completely new engine that also appears in the Golf BlueMotion making a parallel debut in Geneva: the 1.6 TDI with common rail injection.

Especially in city traffic, an automatic start-stop system ensures that fuel consumption is kept in check. Also new aboard the new Golf Plus BlueMotion is regenerative braking – where energy is recovered during braking and deceleration. This reduces engine load during acceleration, since less power is required by the alternator – which can even be turned off completely – thereby saving fuel.

Not only is the new Golf Plus BlueMotion economical; it is fun too. A key performance parameter here is the excellent torque curve. The new 1.6 TDI develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm. Fuel delivery is handled by common rail injection. Four injectors spray the fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar. A very precise multi-injection system has a noticeably beneficial effect on emissions and combustion noise.

Other details of the 186 km/h Golf Plus BlueMotion include rpm-reducing gear ratios in its 5-speed transmission. Like the other BlueMotion versions in the Golf range, the primary visual features on the exterior of this latest and most economical Golf Plus are the new logos at the front and rear and a lowering of the ride height by 15 millimeters. Other modifications, such as a partially closed-off radiator grille and a special aerodynamic airflow panel at the rear axle remain hidden from view. Nonetheless, their aerodynamic effects make themselves felt: the drag coefficient of this model, optimized for fuel consumption, has been reduced to cW = 0.298, a top value in this vehicle class. The BlueMotion package for the Golf Plus is completed by tires with low rolling resistance.

The new Golf Plus embodies visual references to the classic design style of the sixth Golf generation. This is especially apparent at the front end. The rear bumper and roof rails were also redesigned. New steel and alloy wheels of various sizes complete the package of exterior visual modifications. Inside, details like new upholstery fabrics and other features introduced on the new Golf Plus also distinguish the new Golf Plus BlueMotion. These include its instruments, steering wheel and controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic).