Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion: In Detail

Press Release

Economy, emissions, driving performance

• Passat BlueMotion deliveries begin in June
• Economical: New Passat BlueMotion is satisfied with 5.1 liters diesel
• Runs and runs…: Passat BlueMotion extends driving range to 1,350 km

Volkswagen is introducing the new Passat BlueMotion to the market - the most economical car in the world in the 4.8 meter class. This Volkswagen, powered by a 77 kW / 105 PS TDI engine, breaks through the magical fuel consumption barrier of 5.5 liters for its class, as a sedan and Variant. The sedan consumes just 5.1 liters diesel per 100 kilometers, and the Variant just 5.2 liters. Compared to the base model, the Passat BlueMotion saves 0.6 liters per 100 kilometers, and 0.7 liters (Variant). Until now, such fuel economy values were exclusively attainable by much smaller vehicles. The new BlueMotion model can be ordered effective immediately; in Germany first deliveries of vehicles will begin in June.

Emissions ans driving performance

• CO2 emissions reduced by ten and twelve percent;
• Top speed improved by five km/h

Paired with its low fuel consumption values are reductions in CO2 emissions of 15 g/km (ten percent) and 19 g/km (Variant; twelve percent); total emissions of 136 g/km or 137 g/km (Variant) are a testimony to the innovative potential of Volkswagen TDI engines. A standard particulate filter is also integrated in the emission control system. Fuel economy and CO2 data are all the more impressive, because the Passat - at a length of 4.77 meters - is among the largest vehicles in its segment. Moreover, Volkswagen has attained these values without affecting the Passat's recognized excellence in comfort, safety features or driving performance. On the contrary, its aerodynamic advantages and longer gearing have improved the top speed of the Passat BlueMotion by five km/h in both body versions. The sedan is 193 km/h fast, while the Variant tops out at 190 km/h. As a sedan the Passat BlueMotion handles the sprint to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds; the Variant - with its up to 1,731 liters of cargo space - takes an additional 0.3 seconds. The prospects are good that the new Passat BlueMotion will position itself as one of the most sought after models within the model series. That is because it not only protects the environment, it also protects the car owner's budget. Because of its extremely low fuel consumption, monthly fuel costs amount to just 71 euros* based on an average annual driving distance of 15,000 kilometers. A single fill of its 70 liter fuel tanks lets the Passat BlueMotion reach theoretical operating ranges of 1,370 and 1,350 kilometers (Variant). This means that only eleven fill-ups would be needed per year - less than once per month. Last year in Germany more than 70 percent of all Passat sedans and about 90 percent of all Passat Variants were ordered with a TDI engine. The new Passat BlueMotion could contribute toward further reinforcing this significantly high share of diesels. * = Fuel prices in Germany (CW 11/07)

Engine and transmission

• Engine control designed for most economical operation;
• Five-speed transmission with longer gear ratios

In its key performance data, the 1.9 TDI of the Passat BlueMotion is equivalent to the engines of its counterparts in "conventional" Passat versions. It delivers 77 kW / 105 PS of power (at 4,000 rpm) and develops a maximum torque of 250 Nm (from 1,900 rpm). However, for its use in the especially economical Passat BlueMotion, engineers re-tuned various parameters of the four-cylinder turbo-diesel direct injection engine. A software modification to the engine controller reduces idling speed from 830 to 730 rpm. At the same, parameters such as charge pressure, injection timing and exhaust gas recirculation rate were fine-tuned to maximize fuel economy. The TDI's engine controller also sends a gear recommendation to the standard Multifunctional Display Plus, where the driver can read off which of the total of five forward gears is currently the most efficient. Another crucial factor in terms of fuel economy is gearing. Compared to initial ratios, the third, fourth and fifth gears of the Passat BlueMotion's manual five-speed gearbox were lengthened. And specifically by four percent in third gear, seven percent in fourth, and twelve in fifth. Thanks to its hefty torque, the Passat BlueMotion can still deliver impressive driving characteristics. Intermediate bursts of acceleration in the first four gears - important for safe passing maneuvers on highways - are hardly affected by the modified gear ratios; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was also unchanged. As a sedan the Passat BlueMotion sprints to a speed of 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds, while the somewhat heavier Variant with its 1,731 liter cargo space takes 12.4 seconds.