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31/07/2011
REVIEW By DEREK OGDEN & EWAN KENNEDY
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While the war on climate change rages automobile makers around the world quietly go about endlessly cleaning up their acts, with far more effectiveness than they are often given credit for. Not only in the super-economy cars, but also in the way their factories are far cleaner than ever before.
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is a classic example of the very latest in thinking. It uses a 77 kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine modified to perform with optimum fuel efficiency while cutting exhaust emissions. Officially measured fuel consumption for this engine has been cut from an already good 4.9 litres per 100 km in its standard format, to a minuscule 3.8 L/100km. At the same time, CO2 emissions have gone down from 129 grams per kilometre to 99 g/km. That sub-100 gram figure is important in many European markets as it can reduce sales taxes by many thousands of Euros.
This gives the Golf BlueMotion the ability to go more than 1400 km on the 55-litre tank in light duty running.
It’s all down to the modified engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission with tall gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth for fuel saving, stop/start technology, brake energy regeneration, improved aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres.
During our week’s review of the Golf we liked the guiding hand to fuel efficiency it offered us. Optimum gearchanges are suggested by an upward or downward arrow that flashes up on the instrument cluster. Though these sometimes suggested changes that didn’t sound and feel right to us, we were pleased to find the engine was capable of holding the low revs that resulted.
A stop/start system means the engine cuts out when the car is stationary, the transmission is in neutral and the clutch released. Initially there’s a feeling of panic as you think the car has stalled, but you soon become accustomed to it. The motor fires into life quickly once the clutch pedal is depressed.
All these features encourage a restrained driving style and a self satisfied feeling knowing fuel, and therefore money, is being saved and the environment treated with respect.
We must have been doing something right because the best fuel consumption we recorded on the car’s trip computer was 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres in a mix of driving, some urban, but mostly motorway.
When the brakes are applied, kinetic energy is harnessed to charge the battery. Alternator control lowers voltage during deceleration, or when driving at a steady speed the system can switch off the alternator completely, reducing engine load and reducing fuel consumption.
Despite its soft environmental credentials, the Golf BlueMotion is no shrinking violet. Aerodynamic upgrades to the body have given the hatchback an aggressive stance on the road. A sports styling kit makes further improvements and shut-off sections of the front grille help reduce cooling system drag with less heat being rejected by the engine. Ride height has been lowered by 15mm to further reduce drag, while modifications to the underside of the vehicle iron out airflow.
This VW Golf uses 15-inch low rolling resistance tyres, as well as the boost in economy, these fill out the wheel arches and add to the sporty look. To further reduce weight the car comes with a tyre repair kit rather than a spare wheel.
Running gear modifications help to make the BlueMotion the most efficient production Golf ever. Low fuel consumption and emissions are built on a foundation of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with improved engine management software and reduced idling speed.
The standard five-speed manual transmission has also been modified, lengthening the gearing in third, fourth and fifth gears which decreases engine revs and reduces friction and fuel use. The downside of the higher gearing is that you may have to change down a gear more frequently. The two lower gears remain unchanged so the economy Golf still gets off the line easily.
While weight continues to be the enemy of fuel economy, there has been no skimping on safety, the Golf BlueMotion sharing the safety features fitted to all Golfs. These include standard ABS anti-skid braking with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, electronic stabilisation program, hill start assist, seven airbags (including head airbag system for front and rear passengers and a knee airbag), belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters, plus seatbelt warning indicator and head restraints that counteract the risk of whiplash (front seats) and three rear head restraints with three-point seatbelts for all passengers.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-door hatch: $28,990
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Volkswagen dealer for driveaway prices.
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.598 litres
Configuration: Transverse, four cylinders in line
Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 79.5 x 80.5mm
Maximum Power: 77 kW @ 4400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Not offered
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4199mm
Wheelbase: 2574mm
Width: 1785mm
Height: 1479mm
Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
Kerb Mass: 1234 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Towing Ability: 640 kg (1200 kg with braked trailer)
Boot Capacity: 350 litres, 1305 litres with rear seat back lowered
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, lower A-arms, anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension: Independent, four-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 11.3 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 3.8 L/100 km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 9/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited kilometres |
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