WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen is touting the merits of three new members of its environmentally friendly BlueMotion family, notably their extremely low levels of CO2. The Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion will be formally unveiled at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The CO2 numbers range from 87 g/km (140 g/mile) for the Polo BlueMotion to 114 g/km (183 g/mile) for the Passat BlueMotion. VW says each of the three cars can travel a minimum of 840 miles on a single tank of fuel.
The new BlueMotion models feature modest exterior changes, designed mainly to improve airflow and boost fuel economy. They include new front bumpers, sill extensions, lower ride height and repositioned air ducts.
The Polo BlueMotion, with its new 1.2-liter three-cylinder common-rail diesel, makes 74 horsepower and is fitted with a five-speed gearbox and a stop-start system. It boasts average fuel economy of 71 mpg.
The Golf Blue has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel that makes 104 hp and returns 62 mpg, while the Passat BlueMotion with the same engine returns 53 mpg.
All three models go on sale in Europe in early 2010.
Inside Line says: Advances in clean diesels are seriously challenging hybrid gas-electric propulsion systems, in terms of emissions and fuel efficiency. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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