Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion: 3.2L/100km hatch not for Oz

The German car maker claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 3.2 litres per 100km for the diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion, making it 15 per cent more efficient than the model it replaces and giving it a theoretical range of 1563km from its 50-litre tank.

That figure would also make the Golf TDI BlueMotion the most fuel efficient non-plug-in model in Australia, easily besting the 3.9L/100km average of the petrol-electric Toyota Prius and Prius C hybrids, though Volkswagen Australia public relations manager Kurt McGuiness says the brand has no plans to introduce it locally.

"We’re happy with the range as it stands with BlueMotion technology on all our current Golf Mk7 models, and we don’t see a need for this model in our range," McGuiness said.

The Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion features a new 1.6-litre direct injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 81kW of power between 3200-4000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1500-3000rpm – up 4kW from the previous second-generation Golf BlueMotion. A six-speed manual transmission replaces the old five-speed.

Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes 10.5 seconds, making it eight-tenths quicker than its predecessor.

The new BlueMotion is 49kg lighter than before thanks to savings achieved through the lightweight construction of the Golf Mk7 family.

The Golf TDI BlueMotion earns a drag coefficient rating of 0.27, achieved through a series of aerodynamic enhancements that include a chassis that is 15mm lower, reshaped spoiler, partially closed radiator grille and front air intakes, special underfloor panels and optimised cooling airflow.

The BlueMotion is also equipped with stop-start engine technology, brake energy regeneration and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

Available in both Trendline and Comfortline trims, the Volkswagen Golf TDI BlueMotion launches in Germany next month priced from 22,175 euros ($31,000).