Volkswagen Reveals Golf BlueMotion

The latest concept incarnation of Volkswagen's Golf TDI achieves an impressive 62 mpg. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions are limited to just 99 g/km, less than a Toyota Prius. The vehicle will likely be sold in the UK starting in the middle of 2009. This level of efficiency is achieved with a 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine.

The engine generates 105 horsepower and brings the car from 0 to 60 in 11 seconds. In addition to the smaller engine, mileage in this model has been increased with changes to the transmission, low rolling resistance tires, and improved aerodynamics.

The Golf BlueMotion will be the most fuel efficient and clean emissions Golf TDI to be manufactured yet. There's no word on whether or not the car will be sold in North America anytime soon. Only 3% of cars in the US use diesel fuel, which currently costs more than gasoline. This is despite tax deductions available to help offset the cost of new diesel automobiles.

The US will likely see a standard Golf TDI with a 110 horsepower engine. This model will achieve 52 mpg and emit 119 g/km of carbon dioxide. Now that diesel can be burned cleanly and more efficiently than ever before, it deserves serious attention as another alternative in the race to build more environmentally friendly vehicles.

[more information from Volkswagen UK]