VW Polo TGI, Golf TGI Updated With More Range On Natural Gas
Hybrids and electric vehicles may be the future at the Volkswagen Group, but the combustion engine will still dominate many years from now. For those in need of diesel-like fuel economy without the disadvantages of a TDI-powered car, VAG offers a decent number of vehicles powered by gasoline engines that can run on compressed natural gas. Following the launch of the SEAT Arona TGI and the updated Skoda Octavia G-TEC, the VW core brand is unveiling today revised versions of Polo TGI and the bigger Golf TGI. Powered by a 90-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, the supermini has gained a third CNG tank carrying 16.5 liters of natural gas to increase the grand total to 91.5 liters. As per the new and more realistic Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the subcompact hatchback can now travel for up to 368 kilometers (229 miles) purely in CNG mode. As far as the Golf TGI is concerned, it鈥檚 been upgraded to a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that needs 3.5 - 3.6 kg of natural gas for every 100 kilometers (62 miles) covered. The 130-hp powertrain runs on the TGI Miller combustion process and makes use of a turbocharger benefitting from variable turbine geometry allowing more air to go into the cylinders. Compared to its predecessor, the Golf TGI can travel for an additional 80 km (50 miles) on natural gas while slashing emissions to as low as 95 g/km. VW points out the main advantages of purchasing a car that is CNG-friendly. Not only is it more fuel efficient than a regular gasoline-fueled car of the same size, but it cuts emissions by approximately 25 percent.
The Volkswagen press release below lists the complete changes to all models. As soon as we receive any information on pricing changes we will pass them along. Volkswagen is on a roll in the United States. The most important introduction for 2013 will be the Jetta Hybrid, Volkswagen鈥檚 first offering in the compact hybrid category and VW鈥檚 second-ever hybrid model. This is VW鈥檚 first turbocharged hybrid and the first hybrid in the world to use a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Competitively priced with other compact hybrid sedans, the Jetta Hybrid will offer class-leading performance combined with excellent fuel economy. VW will also add a second convertible to the lineup when the Beetle Convertible goes on sale. The car will be available with 2.5-liter naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter turbocharged, and 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engines and will feature a fast-acting top that preserves the sleek lines of the coupe. Beetle Convertible is added to the range. Beetle TDI coupe arrives in August. All Turbo models now have a standard armrest.
Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation gains new 19-inch 鈥淭ornado鈥?aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED license-plate lighting. The Beetle coupe went on sale in 2012 in 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter TSI forms. In August, the Beetle coupe range will be rounded out with the 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that will achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. Later in 2012, the Beetle Fender Edition will go on sale, in 2.5L and Turbo forms. As well as featuring the award-winning Fender Premium Audio System, this special edition will also have a striking sunburst-style dashboard, Fender logos, special seat stitching, brushed chrome door mirrors, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, and 18-inch 鈥淒isc鈥?aluminum-alloy wheels. Additionally, Turbo models will get exclusive seat fabric inserts. New front and rear styling enhances an already dramatic design. High-luxury, high-quality interior now has seating for five.
Bi-Xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are now standard. New exterior colors, wheels, and trim available. The newly refreshed CC went on sale in March. There are two powertrain offerings: a 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels; and a 280-hp VR6 engine driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Mated to the manual transmission, the 2.0T achieves EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while the VR6 4Motion model gets EPA estimates of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The popular R-line trim line will return to the range at the end of 2012. With interior and exterior enhancements, this makes the CC an even sportier vehicle. Compared with the Sport model on which it is based, the R-Line gains a more aggressive front bumper design that incorporates a large lower air intake and projector-style foglights with a striking chrome motif.
