Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Volkswagen has started taking orders in Europe for the new BlueMotion edition of its mid-size Passat. Like other models bearing the BlueMotion badge, the Passat has been optimized to drive down the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. As seen in the photos, the BlueMotion gets optimized aerodynamics through rocker panel extensions, a deeper front air-dam and special alloy wheels. Mechanically, it uses the same new 1.6-liter common rail TDI four cylinder found in the smaller Golf BlueMotion along with the 7-speed DSG transmission. Automatic start-stop and brake energy recuperation are also included in the mix.

The starting price of the Passat in Germany is €27,850, which gets buyers a rating of 53.4 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle along with CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km.

VW is also spreading the BlueMotion love to other models by incorporating some of the various components. The Golf and Golf Plus are available with the 1.6-liter while the Scirocco, EOS and Tiguan get the 1.4-liter TSI gas engine.

[Source: Volkswagen]

PRESS RELEASE:

Advance sales for Passat BlueMotion now underway
In addition, Volkswagen expands BlueMotion Technology range

Wolfsburg, 04 November 2009 - Never before has Volkswagen had so many fuel-efficient and clean models in its range – now ten more new ready-to-order variants are joining the list. In addition to the Passat BlueMotion, an impressive proposition with a consumption of a mere 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of only 114 g/km, Volkswagen is launching three new BlueMotion Technology packages available for various models.

Equipped with the 1.6 TDI engine (77 kW / 105 PS), the Passat BlueMotion provides not only an exceptionally good balance of comfort and dynamics but also fuel efficiency and exemplary emission values. Technologies used in the Passat BlueMotion to lower consumption and emissions include brake energy recovery (regeneration), the start/stop system and various aerodynamic measures. Like the new Polo and Golf BlueMotion, the exterior and interior equipment has also been customised. The Passat BlueMotion has a starting price of €27,850.

At the same time, the basic technologies and innovations from the BlueMotion models are being integrated in an increasingly large product spectrum. As a result, Volkswagen now offers nine additional vehicles with the BlueMotion Technology package: the Golf and Golf Plus engine line-ups now carry the 1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS, which can be combined with either the 6-speed manual gearbox or the 7-speed DSG. The Scirocco, Eos and Tiguan are available with the new 90 kW / 122 PS strong 1.4 TSI engine. The Tiguan, Passat saloon, Passat estate and Passat CC can now also be ordered with the 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS as BlueMotion Technology.

The Passat 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology with the 7-speed DSG now provides a new additional function: the new coasting function steps in to make better use of the vehicle's kinetic (coasting) energy. When in overrun, the engine is disengaged and held at idling speed. This allows the vehicle to coast for a longer distance, enabling savings of 0.5 litres per 100 km or more in combination with an anticipatory driving style.