Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion: In Detail

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion

Economy, emissions, driving performance

By Text & Photo edited by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
April 25, 2007 11:27 AM
Filed Under: German, Volkswagen

Press Release

Economy, emissions, driving performance

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

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

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.

Body

Reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions realized on the Passat BlueMotion were founded on an entire bundle of actions. One important aspect here is the extensive fine tuning of the car body to improve aerodynamics. These modifications reduced the air drag coefficient by more than twelve percent to cW 0.273 (Variant: cW 0.275). Simultaneously the top speed was elevated to 193 km/h and 190 km/h (Variant) – this corresponds to five km/h more in each version. Technical body features: At first glance, there do not appear to be any differences relative to other Passat models. That is because nearly all of the modifications are out of sight. In the underbody, for example. Here the brake ducts were covered, and special underbody skirts were integrated forward of the rear axle, left and right. The Variant also got a wheel house panel (plastic wheel house shell) with extended wheel spoilers in the area of the side skirts. In addition, parts of the air intake louvers are integrated in the radiator trim. Visual body characteristics: The body of the Passat BlueMotion sets itself apart from the familiar base version (Trendline) in its many refined details. For example, the lateral fins of the air intake grille on the Passat BlueMotion are chrome plated in the style of the Passat Highline. Also designed in chrome are the side and rear accent strips. Moreover, in the front the "BlueMotion" has bumper guard strips in the car color. The radiator grille and trunk lid or tailgate each display the BlueMotion emblem, identifying the car as the most economical Passat version.

Chassis

A number of effective changes were also made to the chassis. A careful look at the car reveals that – for the purpose of better aerodynamics – the Passat BlueMotion stands somewhat lower in its wheel housings than the base version; specifically it was lowered 15 millimeters in front and eight millimeters in the rear. Guaranteeing the least possible rolling resistance are high-tech tires of the type "Conti Premium Contact" (best-in-class energy tires") sized 205/55 R16 91H with tire pressure increased by 0.4 bar in part-load operation. As an alternative to the production steel rims, the Passat BlueMotion can be ordered with 16-inch alloy wheels ("Monza" type).

Equipment

Equipment features of the new BlueMotion model are based on the Passat Trendline. Besides the described modifications to body, chassis and engine, new details include a gear recommendation in the multifunctional display and speed control system. Basic equipment of the Passat BlueMotion also includes features such as the semi-automatic "Climatic" climate control system, leather gear shift lever grip, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric window lifts in front, outside temperature display, electronic parking brake, steering column with height and longitudinal adjustment, turn signal lights and taillights in LED technology, green tinted glass, central locking with RF remote, ESP with counter-steering support, six airbags and automatic hazard flasher during hard braking.

BlueMotion program

The name BlueMotion not only refers to automobiles, fuel economy and emissions, rather it applies to the entire brand. "Blue", the Volkswagen color, stands for the elements to be protected: Water and air. "Motion" embodies the aspect of forward-looking mobility directed toward the future. The goal is to protect the earth’s resources for future generations. BlueMotion is gradually advancing to become a quality seal that stands for economy without compromises in driving fun.

Diesel efficiency

The new Passat BlueMotion continues a decades-long tradition of engines from Volkswagen: Ever since the first Golf D – which revolutionized the compact class with its diesel engine back in 1976 – the brand has been a driving force in the field of economical diesel engines. Today, within the broad and diverse range of models Volkswagen offers, 78 vehicle versions exhibit fuel consumption of less than 6.0 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. 43 of them are satisfied with 5.5 liters or less, and 14 of these TDI models even consume less than 5.0 liters. At the top of this list, with fuel consumption of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers and102 g/km CO2 emissions, is the most economical five-seater in the world market, the Polo BlueMotion. Besides fuel economy and CO2 emissions, the general quality of exhaust emissions is of paramount importance. Volkswagen also takes this challenge very seriously. One example: The Phaeton with its new V6 TDI (171 kW / 233 PS) is the first Volkswagen that today already satisfies emission requirements of the Euro-5 standard that will become law in 2009.