With the arrival of the new Golf TDI BlueMotion, Volkswagen is launching one of the most fuel-efficient cars of our time. This Golf is powered by a new direct-injection turbodiesel (TDI) with 81 kW / 110 PS. The four-cylinder engine consumes only 3.2 l/100 km; this value represents a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the already extraordinarily fuel-efficient previous model. The CO2 emissions of the Golf TDI BlueMotion stand at 85 g/km, one of the best values worldwide for automobiles with combustion engines. Despite all the efficiency: the Golf TDI BlueMotion, which has a top speed of 200 km/h, is a true five-seat multi-talent that offers safe, comfortable and agile transportation to its passengers in their professional and private lives. Refuelling becomes a minor matter: given its 50-litre fuel tank and 3.2 l/100 km fuel consumption, the Golf TDI BlueMotion has a theoretical driving range of more than 1,500 kilometres.
Aerodynamic perfection. Owing to numerous aerodynamic modifications, the Golf TDI BlueMotion achieves an excellent Cd value of 0.27. The car's excellent aerodynamics makes a decisive contribution to its low fuel consumption. The aerodynamics of the TDI BlueMotion were perfected, among other things, by a lowered chassis (by 15 mm), a special roof spoiler, a radiator grille that is almost closed to the outside (with integrated BlueMotion lettering), partially closed air inlet screens in the bumper, optimised cooling airflow and special underfloor panels.
Innovative technology alliance. In terms of technology, details like overcoming the upward weight spiral through innovative lightweight construction (a kerb weight reduced by 49 kg), those features that are standard for all new Golf models, namely the Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode, inner-engine modifications with the TDI, a wider spaced 6-speed manual gearbox as well as tyres with extremely low rolling resistance resulted in the pioneering fuel-efficiency of the Golf TDI BlueMotion.
Continuous progress. The first generation of the Golf BlueMotion was launched in 2007. Back then, the Volkswagen set a new benchmark for sustainability with a fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (119 g/km CO2). The second generation of the Golf BlueMotion, whose consumption had been lowered to 3.8 l/100 km (99 g/km CO2), made its debut in autumn 2009. The fact that the fuel consumption of the third Golf BlueMotion could be reduced by another 0.6 litres, or 15 per cent, and CO2 emissions by 14 grams per km is a clear illustration of continuous technical progress.
Driving performance
Efficient dynamics. As shown above, the low fuel consumption and best efficiency class of “A+” are accompanied by a driving performance that will probably be a surprise to many drivers. Take the classic overtaking situation: in 4th gear, the Golf TDI BlueMotion accelerates in just 9.0 seconds from 80 to 120 km/h. Or the 0-100 km/h sprint: this takes 10.5 seconds and proves itself as anything but slow. Maximum speed: 200 km/h indicate that the Golf TDI BlueMotion is fitted with a superb engine and that efficiency has not been bought at the expense of dynamics and comfort.
Driving technology
New TDI engine. The 1,598 cm3 turbo direct injection engine (TDI) is a four-valve four-cylinder engine of the new EA 288 range. It produces a powerful 81 kW / 110 PS in the engine speed range from 3,200 to 4,000 rpm. The TDI equipped with common rail injection develops a maximum torque of 250 Nm starting at 1,500 rpm. Up to 3,000 rpm, this high value is always available. As a result, the Golf TDI BlueMotion can be driven more frequently than on average with very low torques and thus in a very fuel-efficient operating range.
Construction details such as reduced internal friction (among other things, through piston rings with low pre-tension and the use of low-friction bearings on the camshaft); the innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase (e.g. separate cooling circulation loops for the cylinder head and the cylinder crankcase as well as a deactivatable water pump); exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump and the water-cooled intercooler located in the intake lead to a further reduction of fuel consumption and emissions compared to the displaced engine. In terms of emissions control, Volkswagen also employs a NOx storage catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter close to the engine.
Modified 6-speed gearbox. The engine's power is transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed gearbox. Volkswagen engineers tuned the gearbox especially for use in the new Golf TDI BlueMotion. Among other modifications, they integrated a 6th gear with a longer ratio for lowering the torque; moreover, the gearbox works with a new fuel-efficient oil featuring a low viscosity, which heightens its effectiveness.
Standard features
Two equipment versions. Until now, the most fuel-efficient Golf was only offered in a single specification level. This has changed; although the new generation also features special BlueMotion details, it is always available in the two well-known equipment levels of Trendline and Comfortline. The new Golf TDI BlueMotion leaves the Wolfsburg plant exclusively with 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheels to optimise weight, aerodynamics and rolling resistance. “Clearwater Blue metallic” as an exclusive colour is available as an option.
Golf TDI BlueMotion Trendline. Specific features of the Golf TDI BlueMotion Trendline include 15-inch “Lyon” alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler (in body colour) as well as a redesigned and nearly closed radiator grille; the latter consists of a smooth black clasp with integrated BlueMotion lettering and a chrome strip underneath that reaches right into the headlights. Other features that have been specially adapted for the Golf BlueMotion are: black air intakes in the bumper, the optimised cooling airflow, elaborate underfloor panels, sports chassis (body lowered by 15 mm) and special tyres with super-low rolling resistance.
The standard features on the Golf TDI BlueMotion include the touchscreen with 5-inch TFT display, a fuel tank inlet with a guard to prevent misfuelling, multifunction display with ECO tips (consumption-related graphics and information), the electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, the Plus tyre pressure indicator, electronic transverse differential lock XDS+, variable boot floor and asymmetrically folding rear seat backrests.
Also standard: daytime running lights, air conditioning (deselectable), electrically adjustable wing mirrors, outside temperature indicator, electric windows, rear window wiper with intermittent setting, electromechanical power-steering, safety-optimised head restraints, locking glovebox, chrome rings around the inside air vents, seat covers in “Pepper” design, decorative inlays in “Dark Silver, silk matt”, centre console with storage compartment, steering column with height and reach adjustment, height-adjustable driver’s seat, dust and pollen filter, central locking with remote control, height adjustment and belt-tensioning system for the seat belts in the front and green-tinted heat-insulating windows.
Golf TDI BlueMotion Comfortline. The Comfortline level is additionally equipped with the ParkPilot system front and rear, a high-quality instrument cluster, the “Plus” multifunction display, drawers under the front seats, the new Composition Touch radio system including SD card interface and Driver Alert system.
Other standard features (in addition to Trendline features): front comfort seats featuring the line’s own seat material (“Zoom” design) and lumbar support applications, decorative inlays in “Dark Silver brushed” design, rear seat backrest with central armrest and load-through provision, chrome-look rotary light switch and wing mirror adjuster, underseat drawers, storage pockets on the front seat backs and a closable storage compartment in the roofliner, an additional 12-V socket in the boot, illuminated vanity mirrors, fabric floor mats, steering wheel and gear lever knob in leather and 16-inch alloy wheels (“Dover”).
Key special equipment
Assistance and convenience systems. A whole range of innovative assistance and convenience systems is at work aboard the new Golf TDI BlueMotion as standard or optional equipment. The standard systems include the Multi Collision Braking system and the advanced electronic XDS+ transverse differential lock. The Pre-Crash preventive occupant protection system, Driver Alert (standard in the Golf TDI BlueMotion Comfortline), Lane Assist, road sign recognition, the latest generation of the Park Assist as well as the automated Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist light functions. In addition, there's a new generation of infotainment and entertainment systems.
Overview – quick facts
- Cargo capacity: 380 litres to 1,270 litres
- Cd value: 0.27
- Character: The 3-litre Golf
- Chassis:
- Front: McPherson strut suspension
- Rear: modular lightweight suspension
- Dimensions:
- Length – 4,255 mm
- Width – 1,799 mm without mirrors, 2,027 mm with mirrors
- Height – 1,452 mm
- Wheelbase– 2,637 mm
- Drive system: Front-wheel drive
- Driver assistance and handling systems:
- Electronic Stability Control including ABS, brake assist, anti-slip regulation, engine drag torque regulation, countersteer assistance
- Electronic transverse differential lock XDS+,
- Driver Alert
- Multi Collision Brake (standard)
- ParkPilot (standard in Comfortline)
- Pressure monitoring indicator (standard)
- Dynamic Light Assist
- Light Assist
- Cruise Control
- Park Assist
- Preventive occupant protection system
- Rear Assist
- Lane Assist
- Road sign recognition
- Engine: 1.6 TDI with output of 81 kW / 110 PS
- Equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline
- Fuel tank: 50 litres; theoretical driving range: up to 1,562 km
- Infotainment:
- Standard as of Comfortline : “Composition Touch” radio (5-inch)
- “Composition Colour” radio (5-inch)
- “Composition Media” radio (5.8-inch)
- “Composition Media” with navigation function “Discover Media” (5.8-inch)
- “Discover Pro” radio-navigation system (8-inch)
- Market launch, Europe: July 2013
- Price (Germany): From 22,175 euros onward
- Production location: Wolfsburg plant
- Standard gearbox: 6-speed gearbox
- Turning circle: 10.9 m
- Weight (2-seater): 1,265 kg (previous model: 1,314 kg)
- Wheels:
- Trendline standard: 15-inch “Lyon” alloy wheels
- Comfortline standard: 16-inch “Dover” alloy wheels
