VW Announces Pricing for Passat BlueMotion, BlueTDI and TSI Ecofuel Range

Volkswagen Passat BlueTDI

All models feature improved fuel economy and reduced emissions

By Michael Gauthier
February 3, 2009 3:41 PM
Filed Under: Diesel, German, Green

Fresh off announcing plans for the Touareg Hybrid, Volkswagen simultaneously announced official specifications regarding their new range of BlueMotion Passats and the new natural gas powered Passat TSI EcoFuel.

All three models will feature outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions thanks to the company's latest developments dubbed BlueMotionTechnologies. Among the technologies included on certain vehicles are a new start-stop system, regenerative braking, a SCR catalytic converter, and a NOx storage catalytic converter.

The Passat BlueMotion features a new common rail TDI engine that produces 81 kW (110 PS). Fuel economy is rated at 4.9 liters per 100km (57.6 mpg UK) while CO2 emissions come in at 128 g/km (129 g/km for the wagon).

Volkswagen's Passat BlueTDI meets the upcoming 2014 Euro-6 emissions standards by emitting less than 80 mg/km of nitrogen oxide and 137 g/km of CO2. It uses a 2.0-liter diesel engine that cranks out 105 kW (143 PS) and averages 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers (54.3 mpg UK), the wagon fairs slightly worse at 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers (51.4 mpg UK). VW's highly praised six-speed DSG transmission will be available as an option.

Finally the Passat TSI EcoFuel features the world's first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine that was built to run on natural gas. It turns out 110 kW (150 PS) which enables the car to reach a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) and run from 0-100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 4.4 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers, meaning that given today's rates it would cost less than €4.25 to drive 100 kilometers.

Sales for the Passat BlueMotion have already begun while the Passat BlueTDI and Passat TSI EcoFuel launches within the next few months.

 

Press Release

BlueMotionTechnologies: A new umbrella brand for the world of efficiency

* In the first part of this year, Volkswagen will simultaneously launch three extremely fuel-efficient Passat versions with low emissions to the market: the second generation of the Passat BlueMotion, the Passat BlueTDI and the Passat TSI EcoFuel. Each of these new Passats represents an individual solution tailored to meet the challenges of our times. Volkswagen is presenting all three Passats under a new umbrella brand: BlueMotionTechnologies. This label covers all production-mature or near-production technologies and products that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

* BlueMotionTechnologies These are developments such as the new start-stop system, regenerative braking and the highly innovative SCR catalytic converter and the NOx storage catalytic converter already implemented successfully in the USA electric drive and hybrid systems. Also included are the innovative drive systems of the new TSI EcoFuel. These technologies are proof that Volkswagen is once again leading the way with innovative, efficient and cost effective solutions for the future. Recent beginnings of this process can be seen in the Polo BlueMotion, which in 2006 was the first five-seater to reduce fuel consumption below 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers.

* The extent of today's BlueMotion range currently extends from this Polo to the Golf, Jetta, Caddy, Touran, Sharan, and up to the new Passat BlueMotion. A recent survey by the organization "Deutsche Automobil Treuhand DAT", the renowned and world's oldest institution for automotive market research, demonstrates just how successful the BlueMotion label has become today. In a representative survey, the esteemed DAT found that 85 percent of German car drivers are familiar with the BlueMotion label. The next best competitor only attained a recognition level of 36 percent. This makes BlueMotion the number 1 among automotive environmental labels in Germany.

* The term BlueMotionTechnologies does not define a fixed set of technologies but a range of continually evolving, innovative solutions. Under the same label, Volkswagen is offering an initial look at the prototype of the new Touareg Hybrid. The powertrain technology implemented here will go into production with the next generation Touareg. Average fuel consumption: less than 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: less than 210 g/km. The countdown has already started for this car.

* Representative of just how innovative BlueMotionTechnologies are in the 2009 product lineup, is the current Passat - a mid-class model that has long claimed a position as the most fuel efficient, cleanest and most economical car in its class.

* Take the Passat BlueMotion, for example: Here a new common rail TDI (81 kW / 110 PS) delivers pioneering 4.9 liter average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km). The Passat BlueMotion has a start-stop system as standard equipment and attains the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in September. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a sensation as well - travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome! This car is already being sold.

* Consider the Passat BlueTDI. This diesel is far ahead of its time: it will be the first TDI launched by Volkswagen to attain the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not become law until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI, a so-called SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to a level below 80 mg/km. Production of the 105 kW / 143 PS Passat BlueTDI will ramp up at the beginning of March. Fuel consumption of the sedan with standard 6-speed transmission: 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers. This yields CO2 emissions of 137 g/km (Wagon: 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers / 144 g/km CO2). As an option, the Passat BlueTDI is available with a 6-speed DSG. The Passat BlueTDI is positioned above the Passat BlueMotion due to its greater power and more sophisticated emissions control system.

* Take the example of the Passat TSI EcoFuel: The TSI EcoFuel, boosted by supercharger and turbocharger, revolutionizes the world of cars powered by natural gas. Never before has there been a natural gas vehicle with this kind of dynamic performance that is so fuel efficient and clean. The Passat TSI EcoFuel breaks the 120 gram CO2 barrier. In natural gas mode its driver pays less than 4.25 Euros* per 100 kilometers; and its engine - with 110 kW / 150 PS - delivers precisely the type of performance one would want in a highly comfortable travel car like the Passat.

 

Passat BlueMotion in detail - the most fuel efficient Passat of all times

* BlueMotion is the Volkswagen label for the most fuel efficient cars of the brand. The BlueMotion version of the large Passat is especially successful. That is why Volkswagen is launching its second generation of BlueMotion cars with this model. Dealers are already making first deliveries of the new Passat BlueMotion. This Volkswagen - offered as a sedan or wagon - is now powered by a new highly advanced version of the common rail turbo-diesel with 81 kW / 110 PS. Aboard the Passat BlueMotion, as mentioned, the engine consumes only 4.9 liters fuel per 100 kilometers; accordingly, its CO2 emissions are also low at 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km).

* In addition, a start-stop system is being implemented that is highly effective, especially in city driving. Also new in the technology package of the most fuel efficient Passat of all times: longer gear ratios, low-friction drive shafts, super reduced rolling resistance tires and extra lightweight wheels made of flow-formed steel. The material thickness of these wheels is lower in certain sections to save on weight. The BlueMotion package can be ordered in combination with one of the four equipment variants Trendline, Comfortline, Highline or Sportline. Always included: the particulate filter.

Passat BlueTDI in detail - the cleanest Passat TDI of all times

* In just a few weeks, the Passat BlueTDI will be launched on initial European markets, serving as a frontrunner for an entirely new series of pioneering BlueTDI models. This new model already attains the limits of the Euro-6 emission standard that does not take effect until the year 2014.

* A highly sophisticated SCR catalytic converter - together with the additive AdBlue - ensures significant reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. The acronym SCR stands for "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter selectively converts nitrogen oxide (NOx) components in the exhaust into nitrogen and water without forming undesirable by-products. This makes the Passat BlueTDI the most environmentally-friendly diesel production car in the world.

* Technically speaking, the Passat BlueTDI is based on the 103 kW / 140 PS, 2.0 liter common rail engine. However, the BlueTDI develops 105 kW / 143 PS and despite the slight increase in power, it consumes up to 0.4 liter less than the conventional TDI, depending on body version. On the Passat Wagon BlueTDI, fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers (144 g/km CO2); on the sedan it is 5.2 liters (137 g/km CO2).

Passat TSI EcoFuel in detail - the most dynamic natural gas car of all times

* The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas - a fuel that is as environmentally-friendly as it is economical - has been that performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its advanced, 110 kW / 150 PS engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel consumption and finally puts an end to the myth that natural gas cars are slow.. The natural gas powered Passat accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds.

* Despite its great agility, the world's first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation in the Passat, and equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) it requires just 4.4 kilograms (!) of natural gas per 100 kilometers (cost point: just 4.25 Euros* / 100 km). At 119 g/km CO2, the Passat breaks the 120 g/km CO2 barrier. Market launch for both the Passat and Passat Wagon TSI EcoFuel is already scheduled for the first part of 2009.

* = Average price of natural gas in mid-January 2009 in Germany.