The most economical and lowest emissions Golf of all times is one of the highlights at Volkswagen's IAA exhibition area this year in Frankfurt. The new Golf BlueMotion consumes just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers - compared to the already very economical predecessor model this represents a significant improvement of 0.6 liter. With that, this bestseller that defies class categorization breaks the five liter fuel economy barrier, which has been very difficult to achieve in large-scale production vehicles in its segment until now. At the same time, CO2 emissions are decreased from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. The convincing environmental benefits of this especially modest Golf go hand in hand with its unchanged agile temperament, further improved noise comfort and good driving performance. Its top speed rose from 187 km/h to 190 km/h (electronically limited), while its acceleration to 100 km/h remained practically unchanged at 11.3 seconds. One example: thanks to a specific software modification to its engine management, it was possible to reduce idling speed from 830 to 730 rpm.
Important parameters such as charge pressure, injection point and exhaust gas recirculation rate were further optimized in the pursuit of the lowest possible fuel consumption. Affecting fuel economy just as positively is the speed-reducing layout of the five-speed transmission. 19 percent). The effect: These modifications alone improve average consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers. A pleasant additional benefit: A reduction in engine speed level improves noise comfort. The car's acceleration temperament, which is important in everyday traffic, retains its crispness thanks to the engine's powerful torque characteristic and unchanged ratio of the first two gears. However, the greatest influence on a car's fuel economy is exerted by the driver. Besides the efficiency of engine and transmission, air resistance is also very crucial when it comes to fuel economy. The greater the car speed, the greater its significance. As on the Polo BlueMotion, Passat BlueMotion and Passat Variant BlueMotion, on the Golf BlueMotion Volkswagen developers also succeeded in optimizing the aerodynamic advantages of the body by specific refinements. This most prominent visual action: The completely enclosed radiator grille that offers fewer points for the driving wind to take hold. All other aerodynamic modifications act behind the scenes.
Example: Underbody. Special covers for the brake line conduits and trim in front of the rear axle quiet the air stream beneath the Golf BlueMotion and thereby reduce air resistance. Serving the same purpose is the standard sports chassis that lowers the body of the bestseller by ten millimeters. The fuel economy and emissions advantages of the Golf BlueMotion are the result of an entire bundle of different detail modifications that also involve the chassis and tires. Besides the already described production sports chassis that makes for a lower profile by ten millimeters, this savings master also benefits from special high-tech tires with significantly reduced rolling resistance. The Golf BlueMotion stands on 15 inch wheels and 195 / 65 low profile tires. They are driven at air pressures elevated by 0.3 bar and are rated for a top speed of up to 190 km/h (Speed index "T"). As a new option, besides the option of combining the new BlueMotion cars with the first three models - they may also be combined with classic equipment lines. The BlueMotion specifications add to the features of the particular equipment line. This much is clear: When adjustments are made for equipment options, a Golf BlueMotion hardly costs any more than a comparable 105 PS TDI in a classic line.
So far the Golf has been quite conservative when it comes to its looks. The past three generations look mostly the same with only minimal changes. In the front we can expect a more Arteon-like grille and headlights while the rear is likely going to share quite a few design traits with the Polo. The end result should be a more modern-looking car that will finally appeal to the younger generation. The interior is also going to change dramatically. From the renders VW showcased it looks like the new Golf may make use of a fully digital dashboard. Both the instrument cluster and the usual center stack controls would be two massive LCD IPS screens. However, while this may be true for the range-topping models, the base versions of the Golf are more than likely going to use a less impressive design. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf 8 is going to use quite a few new engines. The base model will stick with a 1.0 liter turbo-three but this should now make closer to 120 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. A 1.5 liter turbo-four will remain available while the old 1.6 liter diesel will get replaced by a new 1.5 liter unit. All three engines should come equipped with a 6 speed manual and front wheel drive. A DCT gearbox is going to be available on the higher end versions of the car. The GTI, and the R, should both make use of a new 2.0 liter turbo-four engine which is expected to deliver anything between 250 and 350 horsepower. As before, both cars will come with a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed dual-clutch gearbox. The GTI will remain front wheel drive while the R will be all wheel drive. A mild hybrid version sporting the 1.5 liter turbo-four engine is also going to be an option.
