New Golf BlueMotion does 88.3mpg 01 | 10 | 2012

VOLKSWAGEN'S NEW GOLF BlueMotion, unveiled alongside the MkVII Golf at the Paris Motor Show, will return 88.3mpg, according to the German giant. The five-seat family car will also emit just 85g/km of CO2.

Set to enter Scottish showrooms in summer next year, the Golf BlueMotion has a theoretical range of 970 miles.  Assuming an average annual driving distance of around 9300 miles, most drivers will only have to refuel 10 times a year.

The car’s combined fuel consumption has been achieved through innovative lightweight design (including 26kg less weight in the running gear and 37kg less in the body), engine-related modifications and a collection of other measures.  

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These include super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios (five-speed manual gearbox), the Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems that are standard in all new Golfs, plus specific aerodynamic modifications.

Compared to other Golf models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were also refined by a lowered ride height (by 15mm), a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a masked front grille, partially closed air inlet screens, optimised cooling system airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler.  

These measures provide the Golf BlueMotion with a Cd value of 0.27, making the car one of the most aerodynamic in its class.

At the heart of the new Golf BlueMotion concept is a four-cylinder 16-valve 1.6-litre 110PS TDI engine.

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Jim McGill