UK order books are now open for a raft of new ultra-frugal petrol models in the Golf hatchback, Estate and SV.  Powered by a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre 115 PS turbocharged petrol engine, the new Golf TSI BlueMotion returns 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.  Also available for the first time with a BlueMotion engine is the option of a DSG automatic gearbox.  These cars combine the economy benefits of a diesel with the upfront price benefits of a petrol, with the Golf Match TSI BlueMotion costing £19,740 RRP OTR.  The first deliveries of these cars are due in September.

At the heart of the TSI BlueMotion is a 1.0-litre (999 cc) three-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine from the EA211 series.  This generates 115 PS from 5,000 to 5,500 rpm; standstill to 62 mph takes 9.7 seconds while top speed is 127 mph.  With 200 Nm, the TSI BlueMotion has the highest specific torque of any large-scale production series of petrol engines.  This is available from 2,000 rpm, though 150 Nm is already delivered from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined economy for the Golf hatchback is 65.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km for both the six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG versions.  Such economy is achieved through substantial engine development as well as a number of aerodynamic measures.  By lowering the chassis by 15 mm, adapting the radiator grille, optimising the cooling airflow and fitting special underfloor panels and a rear spoiler, the Golf TSI BlueMotion’s Cd value has been reduced to 0.28 (from 0.29 in the standard Golf).  The car also features super low rolling resistance tyres.  While this improvement may sound modest, it should be noted that in developing the seventh generation Golf, engineers made a 10 per cent improvement in aerodynamics.

Inside the engine, an ultra-rigid crankcase made of lightweight die-cast aluminium and its compact construction with three cylinders mean the 1.0-litre TSI is around 15 kg lighter than a comparable four-cylinder engine.  The exhaust manifold has been fully integrated into the cylinder head and fitted with a cooling jacket to make the best possible use of exhaust gas energy during the warm-up phase and to cool the exhaust gases even more effectively at high loads.  The TSI BlueMotion is also fitted with a toothed belt, which compared to a chain drive, reduces friction by around 30 per cent, while the maximum injection pressure of the 1.0-litre TSI is high for a petrol at 250 bar, while advanced five-hole solenoid injectors ensure precise fuel injections and results in faster energy conversion.

Unlike the diesel BlueMotion model which is based on the entry-level S, the Golf TSI BlueMotion comes as standard in Match trim.  As such it benefits from equipment highlights including ESC, XDS and seven airbags, an Automatic Post Collision Braking System, a PreCrash system, cruise control, stop/start with battery regeneration and driver alert (NB ACC and Front Assist are not standard).  The Golf Match TSI BlueMotion has 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloy wheels.

This new 1.0-litre BlueMotion engine will also be available in the Golf Estate and Golf SV, with predicted fuel economy figures of 65.7 mpg and 99 g/km (103 for DSG) for the Estate, and 62.8 mpg / 105 g/km (61.4/105 for DSG) for the SV.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk