VW works Blue for IAA

Volkswagen will premier three new production, low consumption, low emission turbodiesel models at this month's IAA in Frankfurt. Wearing the carmaker's BlueMotion branding, the cars are modified versions of the latest Polo, Golf and Passat models.

According to Volkswagen, each model sets fuel economy and CO2 emission benchmarks for its class. The new Polo consumes 3.3L/100km and emits 87g/km of CO2, while the Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion are rated at 3.8L/100km and 99g/km and 4.4L/114g respectively.

Although there is little likelihood of the cars coming Down Under (see below), all three cars will be able to be ordered via VW's domestic dealerships before the end of 2009.

The Polo BlueMotion was previewed at the Geneva show earlier this year. Powered by a 55kW three-cylinder turbodiesel, the car is almost 1L/100km more economical than the already frugal standard Polo TDI variant.

The Golf BlueMotion meanwhile features a version of the 77kW four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbodiesel just confirmed for Australia. VW claims the car is the world's most fuel-efficient in its class with a theoretical range of 1447km – or about the distance from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour.

The Passat BlueMotion, however, will boast an even longer range – just short of 1600km! Available in both sedan and wagon variants, the mid-sized front driver shares the Golf's 77kW turbodiesel powertrain in its BlueMotion form. VW claims despite the diminutive powerplant, the Passat still accelerates from 0-100km in 12.5sec and tops 190km/h.

All three BlueMotion models feature manual five-speed gearboxes (which largely rules them out from the local Aussie market -- especially the Passat) and economy tweaks such as taller gearing, lower idle speeds, low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic changes -- not the least of which is a reduced ride height and R-Line bumpers and side skirts.

All three models also get auto stop start and an energy-recover system. Incorrectly termed regenerative braking, the system disables the alternator during acceleration (and at idle), and maximizes battery charging, etc, when the car is braking or decelerating.

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