Loading ...
What are Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technologies exactly?
The colour green is now so strongly associated with everything that concerns environmental protection that you can now say “I bought a green television” and nobody will think twice about your taste in decor. What they will do is think you’re being responsible in buying am energy-efficient appliance.
This new use of green applies to cars as well. But because automakers are keen to differentiate themselves from the competition, by highlighting exclusive offerings, the colour green is no longer the only one to be associated with fuel efficiency. Blue (the symbolic colour of the new millennium) is now well on its way to becoming the new green, especially with European automakers: there’s now Daimler-Benz BlueTec, Peugeot BlueLion, and Volkswagen BlueMotion. Let’s see what the new colour means exactly.
BlueMotion Technologies
BlueMotion is a registered trademark that applies to all of Volkswagen’s efforts to reduce fuel consumption and support sustainable mobility. All systems now in production and those that will soon come off the assembly line are labelled BlueMotion. One of these is TDI Clean Diesel.
Future BlueMotion offerings will include such features as an automatic start-stop system, regenerative braking, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the NOx storage catalytic converter. Gas engine vehicles haven’t been forgotten: the future Touareg Hybrid will be offered with direct fuel injection and a supercharger as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some ultra-efficient natural gas powered engines will be available for the Passat.
Some other less spectacular optimizations have also been developed: lower idle speed, gearboxes with longer gear ratios, low-friction drive shafts, super reduced rolling resistance tires and extra lightweight wheels made of flow-formed steel. Aerodynamics has also been improved: on some models, body height has been reduced, shielding has been added under the chassis, and some body parts have been redesigned to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Existing Models (in Europe)
The BlueMotion label was launched on the market in 2006 with the little BlueMotion Polo. The car featured an average fuel economy (European standards) of 3.8L/100 km (5.1L in the city and 3.2L on the highway).
In 2007 the Passat was the second BlueMotion model to be launched. It featured an average fuel economy of 5.1L/100 km.
The BlueMotion green line-up was then expanded to include the Golf, Golf Plus, Touran, Jetta, and Sharan.
BlueMotion in Canada?
For the moment, Volkswagen has no plans to introduce BlueMotion vehicles on the Canadian market. But would you be interested in considering a BlueMotion for your next vehicle? I’m sure that the unanimous reply is a resounding yes.
If I told you that BlueMotion meant a few sacrifices, would you still say yes? (Sacrifices include more vibration with a lower idle speed, less adherence from reduced rolling resistance tires, less spirited performance with the longer gear ratios, less comfort with the lowered suspension, and last but not least a slight increase in purchase price.)
Your comments are most welcome. I’m curious to know your reasons for replying yes or no.
5 Comments
Comments
Rafael, good news for you! In this post (http://www.tdicurious.ca/2009/01/on-the-future-of-clean-diesel-in-canada-an-encounter-with-john-white-president-and-ceo-of-volkswagen-canada-at-the-montreal-auto-show/), John White told Louis-Alain that there will be a Golf TDI Clean Diesel in Canada.
Yes, I have had the luck of driving one in portugal.
I loved the car it was great all around, to say the least. I would buy and recommend one.
I have driven various manufacturers 4 cylinder cars for most of my driving years(32). Some were rougher at idle then others, some had a harsher ride.
So , yes I would consider one. Test driving would help in the deliberation.
Yes Yes!
It is hard to see so many great VW’s on the web in the UK and not be able to get them in Canada in sept 2009 they are getting a blue motion golf that gets a combined rating of over 75mpg. If it came to Canada I would walk into my local dealership and get one. Until then I will try to keep my modified 91 VW TD jetta with 575,000km going as long as I can getting 59mpg regularly. If it wears out before then I guess I will have to switch to another brand.
February 9, 2009 by Rafael Padilha
Yes. Would love to have a more fuel economy car, even if it hurts a little the performance on some other areas.
Would also love to have more options in terms of diesel vehicles in Canada. What about a Rabbit / Golf diesel at first place? The numbers prove it, put diesel and they sell like hot cakes!
In my case, I’m willing to buy a new one. However, don’t like the Jetta, like the wagon but it is too expensive. So… I’m waiting to more affordable prices! And in the meanwhile, keep my good old Golf TDI rolling!