Bluemotion tech spreads across VW range
BY BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS | 16th Aug 2012
Known as the 103TDI Bluemotion Technologies (BT for short) and available only in popular Comfortline dual-clutch transmission guise, the more economical small car icon joins a growing number of models adopting features that actively reduce consumption.
They include the whole of the revamped Passat range, the Tiguan 103TDI AWD, Touareg 150TDI and the recently released CC.
Compared to the regular Golf 103TDI DSG Comfortline, the BT gains an idle-stop system and low-rolling-resistance tyres, with no addition to the price of $34,490 plus on-road costs.
The result, according to Volkswagen, is a combined average fuel consumption figure of 5.3L/100km – or 0.4L/100km better than the equivalent 103TDI DSG without BT.
On a special 16km route from the top of Mount Stromlo Observatory through suburban Canberra and then back again, organised by Volkswagen to demonstrate the BT’s virtues in everyday driving conditions, GoAuto managed to record just 3.9L/100km.
Volkswagen will keep the regular 103TDI DSG Comfortline in the range since – unlike its more economical twin – the ‘dirtier’ Golf can be optioned up with popular extras like a sunroof and a Sports Package that includes different seats and lower-profile tyres on larger alloy wheels.
Nevertheless, it is expected that most of the next generation of Golf models sold in Australia beginning from the first quarter of 2013 will also feature BT.
BT is not to be confused with plain Bluemotion (without the word ‘Technologies’ on the badge) as that remains a special model line in its own right.
Though Bluemotion has been available in other markets and other models for a number of years, only the Golf has been given the Bluemotion treatment in Australia.
Launched in the middle of 2011 and ranking among Australia’s most economical vehicles, the Golf Bluemotion features a variation of the 77kW/250Nm 1.6-litre TDI found in the now-discontinued Golf 77TDI Trendline hatch, with revised engine management software, longer gear ratios, idle-stop, a multifunction trip computer with gear change recommendation, low rolling-resistance-tyres, improved aerodynamics, a 15mm-lower ride height and no spare wheel.
These changes result in a consumption figure of 3.8L/100km and emissions of 99g/km.
