Volkswagen is planning to extend its Bluemotion line-up at next month’s Geneva motor show with the unveiling of a super-frugal, low-emission version of the Passat.
The new car, which is planned to go on sale in selected European markets later this year, returns 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, up 8mpg on the standard car due to a series of detailed upgrades. VW already sells a Polo Bluemotion, which is coming to the UK this summer.
At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions are said to drop from an average 151g/km to just 137g/km – just under the European Commission’s proposed standard for 2008.
While Volkswagen is yet to reveal details of the new car, Autocar can confirm the front-wheel drive Passat Bluemotion is powered by a specially tuned version of the German car maker’s long-running 103bhp 1.9-litre four-cylinder pumpe duse diesel engine.
It is housed in a specially reworked body with a series of aerodynamic upgrades, including a new front bumper and grille that are claimed to reduce drag. Other measures adopted by the new car are low rolling resistance tyres and a reworked gearbox with taller fifth and sixth gears. There's no word yet as to whether or not the UK will get the car.
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