Advance sales for VW’s European Passat BlueMotion underway

[xcel]

Volkswagen is also expanding its BlueMotion range.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Nov. 4, 2009

2010 VW Passat BlueMotion – A Midsized sedan with a 53.5 mpgUS average FE on the NEDC.

Additionally, VW pulled a key technique out of the CleanMPG playbook... NICE-On’s being incorporated into the 1.4L TFSI with the new 7-speed DSG!

Never before has Volkswagen had so many fuel-efficient and clean BlueMotion models available. Today, ten more new ready-to-order variants join the list. In addition to the Passat BlueMotion, an impressive proposition with a consumption of a mere 53.4 mpgUS combined on the NEDC, Volkswagen is launching three new BlueMotion Technology “upgrades” for other models under its umbrella.

Equipped with a 105 HP, 1.6L TDI engine, the Passat BlueMotion provides not only an exceptionally good balance of comfort and dynamics but also fuel efficiency. Technologies used in the Passat BlueMotion to lower consumption and emissions include regenerative braking, a start/stop system and various aerodynamic measures. Like the new Polo and Golf BlueMotion, the exterior and interior equipment has also been customized. The Passat BlueMotion has a starting price of $41,220 USD.

At the same time, the basic technologies and innovations from the BlueMotion models are being integrated in an increasingly large number of VW products. As a result, Volkswagen now offers nine additional vehicles with the BlueMotion Technology package: the Golf and Golf Plus engine line-ups now carry the 105 HP 1.6L TDI which can be combined with either the 6-speed manual gearbox or the 7-speed DSG. The Scirocco, Eos and Tiguan are available with the new 120 HP, 1.4L TSI engine. The Tiguan, Passat sedan, Passat estate and Passat CC can now also be ordered with the 2.0L TDI with 138 HP with BlueMotion Technology.

The Passat 1.4L TSI BlueMotion Technology with the 7-speed DSG now provides a new additional function: the new coasting function steps in to make better use of the vehicle’s kinetic (coasting) energy. When in overrun, the engine is disengaged and held at idling speed. This allows the vehicle to coast for a longer distance, enabling savings of up to 5 mpg in combination with an anticipatory driving.

[jhu]

Good for them. But when the **** are these ever going to make their way to the USA? It's like they're mocking us: Look what we made, but you can't have any.

[xcel]

Hi Jhu:

___Although we will not see the 1.6L TDI here (yet), the Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen TDI are two excellent choices. Remember too that the 1.6L on our own 08 EPA would probably rate about 42 mpgUS combined without the Tier II/Bin 5 emissions control Knock off maybe 3 mpg with.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[smart-za]

Originally Posted by xcel

When in overrun, the engine is disengaged and held at idling speed.

So the car has automatic NICE-ON coasting? I'll bet it also has idle stop. Combine the two and you've got engine-off P&G for the masses.

-Simon

[WriConsult]

Wow, even the Passat will be available with the 1.6 in Europe? Sheesh, we're stuck with the overpowered 2.0 even in the Golf/Jetta!

Also really nice to see the "overrun" feature. Poor coasting is one of the biggest reasons not to get an automatic. Although I'll always prefer MTs, the efficient-as-an-MT DSG with this new capability is still an excellent choice.