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At Geneva VW will introduce the Passat BlueMotion, claiming that no other vehicle of its size consumes less fuel. (http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/feb2007/bw20070216_110990.htm?chan=globalbiz_europe_more+of+today%27s+top+stories)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_VW_Passat.jpgGizmag - Feb. 16, 2007

2008 VW Passat TDI: 55 mpg :)

Volkswagen has released first details of the Passat BlueMotion ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is claiming that no other vehicle of its size consumes less fuel: the Passat BlueMotion saloon returns 55.4 mpg (5.1 litres per 100 km) and produces just 136 g/km of CO2. The first BlueMotion model was the Polo, launched in Germany in the mid-2006 which was such an immediate success its production figures have already been increased threefold.

When applied to the new Passat BlueMotion this means: an average of 5.1 litres of diesel over 100 kilometres (55.4 mpg). The Passat Estate BlueMotion needs 5.2 litres (54.3 mpg) and produces 137 g/km of CO2 – also a top value, even in comparison to vehicles worldwide. Both body versions have a driving range of up to 1,350 kilometres (838 miles) with a full tank. With an average annual distance driven of 15,000 kilometres (9,315 miles), this means that the driver only needs to refuel 11 times a year with an average of 68 Euros* in fuel costs per month.

Volkswagen achieves these low consumption figures through the fine tuning of the engine – a 105 bhp TDI engine with a diesel particulate filter – which was already extremely efficient.

This fuel efficiency does not, however, reduce levels of agility. The Passat BlueMotion has a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph) (118 mph for the estate). That is key to the BlueMotion philosophy: fuel efficiency and agility in a combination that still makes driving fun.

It's too bad VW decided to take the Passat and Jetta so far up-market. This sounds like one more great option except that I'm scared to know what it will cost. That, and they really need to work the bugs out of their electrical systems.

Hi Tim:

___At least they are doing something in terms of getting those TDI’s back in the states using a MB’s like Blutec system.

___While at the Chicago Auto Show 2 weeks ago, I spoke with some VW marketing types and they said expect to see a 55 mpg rating. I was very skeptical but it does appear as if they have actually done it! On the extra-urban Euro cycle anyway?

___Electrical gremlins? Yes, VW has to cure those for the last time before yet another launch :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

... expect to see a 55 mpg rating.
Current EPA rating system, or new?

Hi Jim:

___Given the press release, the 55 mpg is probably based off the Euro - Extra Urban cycle (could be combined?) and is definitely stated in UK gallons. More then likely the VW Passat so equipped is a stick as well. In US gallons, this is 46.1 mpg. Under the current 07 EPA, I would suspect maybe 43 combined. Under the new 08 test cycle(s), maybe 40 combined as a guess? Decent but not great for a Prius II sized automobile …

___Good Luck

___Wayne