Super frugal Golf could be petrol

Volkswagen's most frugal production Golf ever could be powered by a relatively conventional spark-ignition petrol engine. And according to VW's worldwide sales boss, it might also be sold in Australia.

Shown in concept form at the launch of the new Golf VI in Iceland this week, the Golf BlueMotion is the latest in a line of fuel-economy focused models from the Wolfsburg brand.

BlueMotion does not refer to any particular technology but rather the overall philosophy of the models, which typically feature optimized aerodynamics, narrower low-rolling resistance tyres and taller gearing to maximize fuel economy. Led by the Polo BlueMotion, Volkswagen now offers a range of BlueMotion models in selected European markets.

Though VW is talking up the hybrid-beating fuel consumption of the new Golf VI BlueMotion concept, they are not confirming whether the final production version of the car will be petrol or diesel powered. In fact, the inside line is the new Golf BlueMotion is achieving its hybrid-beating target fuel consumption figures of 3.7-3.8L/100km (and 99g/km Co2 emissions) with both petrol and diesel powertrains.

The concept BlueMotion Golf VI shown at Reykjavik featured a 77kW four-cylinder turbodiesel matched to a five-speed manual gearbox. However, according to Volkswagen Executive Vice president, Detlef Wittig, the engines vying for a position under the production BlueMotion's hood are a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI petrol four-cylinder and a still-secret all-new three-cylinder common rail turbodiesel. Both would likely sport new-generation DSG transmissions.

The latter engine is believed to be based on the next generation 77kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder TDI that will be introduced into the main Golf VI range in the second quarter of 2009. Both engines are also likely to find their way into the new generation Polo, due in late 2009.

"The BlueMotion is running with 3.7L/100km and that is today and unbeatable. Not two years in the future, not three, but now," Wittig told the Carsales Network.

"[The final choice of engine] Depends... We are still running a TSI gasoline engine and also a three-cylinder diesel engine. We have to make a final decision," he said.

The choice is contingent on a number of factors, says Wittig.

"It depends a little bit on what are the future trends of diesel engines. So far people prefer a smaller diesel engine, but we could also put in a TSI engine -- one or one-point-something litres."

According to Wittig the launch of BlueMotion variants of key VW models Down Under is linked to consumer sentiment.

"[The launch of BlueMotion] Depends on whether the [Australian] market is sensitive to lower fuel consumption, and [whether] there will be, for example, CO2 taxation."

Meantime, Volkswagen Australia will kick the BlueMotion discussion off Down Under with the showing of Passat and Polo BlueMotion models at next month's Australian International Motor Show at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

The Passat BlueMotion features a version of VW's 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel rated at 81kW/250Nm and matched to five-speed manual transmission. It achieves 4.9L/100km in Euro combined cycle testing.

Though at first glance almost identical to the standard Passat, the car features significant underbody aero add-ons. It is also lowered -- 15mm at the front and 8mm at the rear.

The Polo BlueMotion features a 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI which pumps out 59kW and 195Nm. It matches VW's targets for the Golf VI BlueMotion -- 3.8L/100km and 99g/km.

The BlueMotion Polo's mods are not quite as subtle as its big brother, however. Changes include a new front spoiler and blanked grille, plus a rear wing.

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