New VW Golf BlueMotion Study is the Most Fuel Efficient Golf Ever, Returns 3.2lt/100km or 73.5mpg

Volkswagen first told us about the new Golf BlueMotion during the presentation of the Golf Mk7 earlier this month, and now the German carmaker has released photos and additional details on the car that will be introduced as a concept at the Paris Motor Show. Much like the Golf GTI study that will join the rest of the range at VW’s stand, there’s nothing really conceptual about the Golf BlueMotion, sans the informational stickers on the side of the car, as it too will go on sale in Europe next summer. Billed as the most fuel-efficient Golf ever, the new BlueMotion model has a fuel consumption of 3.2 liters per 100km, which equates to 73.5mpg US and 88.3mpg UK, with CO2 emissions of only 85g/km. That’s compared to the first Golf BlueMotion launched in 2007 that was rated at 4.5lt/100km (119g/km CO2), and the second version released in 2009 that delivered a fuel consumption of 3.8 lt/100 km (99 g/km CO2). The new Golf BlueMotion has a theoretical range of 1,562 km (971 miles). VW says that given an average annual driving distance of 15,000 km (9,300 miles), most drivers will only have to refuel ten times per year.

Besides being lighter than its predecessors – as is the case for all Golf Mk7s, the latest Golf BlueMotion also gets a new 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine producing an output of 109Hp (81kW / 110PS) and a peak torque of 250Nm (184 lb-ft) at 1,500 rpm, allowing for a respectable top speed of 202km/h (126mph). To improve the car’s fuel economy, the BlueMotion model adopts several features such as “super low rolling resistance tires” with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios for the 5-speed manual gearbox, a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode.

Compared to other Golf Mk7 models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were tweaked by dropping the suspension (-15 mm), and adding a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a radiator grille that is closed to the outside, partially closed air inlet screens, optimized cooling airflow, special underfloor panels, optimized brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. According to the German carmaker, these measures take the Golf BlueMotion to a cD value of 0.27. For the first time in the model’s (short) history, the Golf BlueMotion will be offered in two grades instead of a single trim level, as either a Trendline or Comfortline.

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