One of the more discreet VW debuts at this year’s Geneva Auto Show is the Golf Sportsvan TDI BlueMotion, the most economical version of the compact MPV that was known before as the Golf Plus.
VW says the new diesel-powered model returns 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 mpg US), making it the most fuel efficient model in its class. CO2 emissions are also low, at 95 g/km. Both values are provisional and subject to homologation.
The VW Golf Sportsvan TDI BlueMotion is powered by a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 109hp (110 PS) and benefits from a series of measures aimed at lowering fuel consumption.
It may not show it, but the MPV has a drag coefficient of 0.27, with the factors enhancing the aerodynamics including the lowered vehicle body (by 15 mm/0.59in), a special roof edge spoiler, a radiator grille partially closed to the outside, a partially sealed ventilation grille with radiator shutter behind it, optimized cooling airflow and special underfloor panels.
Other BlueMotion-specific features include 15-inch alloy wheels and tyres optimised for low roll resistance, a Stop/Start system, regenerative braking mode, modifications within the TDI engine and a modified 6-speed manual gearbox.
The VW Golf Sportsvan TDI BlueMotion will be available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline versions when it launches this summer in Germany.
By Dan Mihalascu
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