Cars On The Blog

Golf BlueMotion: 3.8 litres and 99 g/km CO2 revolutionize the compact class!

Passat BlueMotion: 4.4 litres and 114 g/km CO2 unbeatable among big cars!
Wolfsburg, 02 September 2009 – What would be technically feasible if money were no object? What is the maximum fuel economy that a truly affordable car could attain? And how clean would its emissions be? Are there cars that can be purchased today that are already eco-friendly for the world of tomorrow? Is it possible for a car optimised for fuel efficiency to be just as uncompromisingly practical in everyday driving? These questions are becoming increasingly important to more and more people. On September 15, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Volkswagen will be showing what is feasible when the best available yet affordable technologies of our times are sensibly combined – in the new generation of the Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion. All three Volkswagens are the world’s most fuel-efficient models in their respective size classes; all three are celebrating world premieres as production versions at the IAA; and all three can be ordered later this fall.

Polo with 3.3 litre fuel economy: The new Polo BlueMotion (55 kW / 75 PS) – with an average fuel consumption of just 3.3 litres diesel (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2!) per 100 kilometres – is advancing to become the “3-liter fuel economy car” of the modern era and the most fuel efficient five-seater in the world. Compared to a conventional Polo TDI with 75 PS, CO2 emissions were reduced 20 percent, and fuel consumption was reduced by 0.9 litre per 100 kilometres – thanks to BlueMotion­Technologies that include a new high-tech 1.2-liter TDI. They make the commute to work, vacation trip and long weekend affordable again. A person driving a Polo BlueMotion from Berlin to the IAA in Frankfurt, for example, can cover the 545 kilometre route for just 19 Euros* in fuel costs. Refueling becomes an afterthought, since the 45 litre tank of the Polo BlueMotion leverages a theoretical range of 1,363 kilometres. One more example related to costs: According to the German Federal Bureau of Statistics, the average German car driver drives a total of 11,000 kilometres per year. For Polo BlueMotion drivers this means that they can cruise the entire year on just eight fuel fill-ups and 377 Euros* in fuel costs. The Polo BlueMotion, which can move at 173 km/h if necessary, makes its market debut in 2010.

Golf with 3.8 litre fuel economy: Motoring at a cost level practically as pleasing as that of the Polo is the new Golf BlueMotion (77 kW / 105 PS). Thanks to its fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel (99 g/km CO2), it is the world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class. Its theo­retical range is 1,447 kilometres (55 litre tank). Average annual fuel costs: just 439 Euros or about 37 Euros* per month

The most fuel-efficient Golf of all times is powered by a new, quiet common rail turbo-diesel. Like all TDIs, this engine does not lack in power by any measure. Just the opposite is true: The 105 PS sixteen-valve, four-cylinder engine generates its maximum torque of 250 Newton-Meters at a low 2,000 rpm. Equipped with these key performance parameters, the engine accelerates the Golf BlueMotion to 100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds. Its top speed: 190 km/h. The new Golf BlueMotion will first arrive at European dealers in late fall of this year.

Passat with 4.4 litre fuel economy: The driving range of the new Passat BlueMotion may just be record-setting. With an average fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres diesel (114 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometres, it can cover 1,591 kilometres on one fill-up of its 70 litre tank! That adds up to just seven fill-ups per year. Cost point: 502 Euros*. There is no other car of this size on the road today that is more fuel-efficient. Advance orders start in early October, and the new Passat BlueMotion will be at dealers one month later – as a saloon and an estate car. The Passat shares its 77 kW / 105 PS common rail TDI with the Golf BlueMotion. A look at the Passat’s superior performance data reveals the tremendous potential of this engine and the aerodynamic properties of the Passat: 193 km/h top speed and 12.5 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

TDI + Start-Stop + Regeneration: The BlueMotionTechnolo­gies aboard the three super-economizers make up a comprehensive package of extremely diverse high-tech components and detailed solutions. Building the foundation for the extremely low fuel consumption and emission values of these cars are their new common rail TDI engines with modified engine management software and reduced idling speed. Power transfer is handled by five-speed gearboxes with longer gear ratios. A gear-shift indicator integrated in the instruments ensures that the BlueMotion models are always driven at the gear stage that is optimal for fuel economy.

Other BlueMotion features include energy recovery (regenerative braking), a Start-Stop system (automatic engine shutoff, such as at red lights), tyres optimized for low rolling resistance, especially lightweight low-drag wheels, improved fine tuning of body aerodynamics and a lower chassis (Polo and Golf). In addition, the new BlueMotion models are distinguished from other versions of their respective model lines by stylish modifications and a customized interior. For the first time, Volkswagen – and this represents a clear reversal of market trends – is giving its BlueMotion models dynamic styling features that bridge the gap between sustainability and sporty appeal. The Golf and Passat, for example, are making their appearance with bumpers and side skirts from the avant-garde R-Line; the Polo meanwhile is distinguished by such features as completely new radiator grille styling and special alloy wheels. The Polo and Passat Estate also have an independent rear tailgate spoiler.

Pricing is not left out of the equation by any means, and it is consistent with our declared goal of offering very advanced eco-friendly cars at affordable prices. And BlueMotion is certainly affordable.

Notes:
* Based on average fuel prices in Germany on July 20, 2009.

For more information on Volkswagen BlueMotionTechnologies go to: www.bluemotion.de.

BlueMotion is just one of the major topics being addressed at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Volkswagen will be presenting its latest technologies, automotive studies and models at a press conference that begins at 11:15 am on September 15, 2009, at the Volkswagen exhibit area in Hall 3.

Tata Motors unveiled its all new ‘Tata 407 Pickup’ and the new offerings from the Ace Platform — ‘Tata Super Ace’ and ‘Tata Ace EX’ — across the country.

The introduction of these new products- Tata 407 Pickup, Tata Super Ace and Tata EX are all set to vitalize the sub-one-tonne to 3 tonne segment with more payload options and greater power for the changing demands of its customers. These vehicles signal Tata Motors commitment to provide better quality vehicles at affordable price to enable consumers to enhance their business needs

Commenting on the launches, President of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Mr. Ravi Pisharody said, “It has always been our commitment to continually refresh our product portfolio, with both, new products and improvements on proven platforms, guided by our customers feedback.”

Tata 407 Pickup

The Tata 407 Pickup comes with a payload of 2.25T which offers nearly double the payload of any other pickup vehicle in the market. Thus customers do not face any hassles of overloading. Further, the Tata 407 Pickup gives customers the benefit of a relatively small turning circle radius of 5.5m which, along with an overall length of only 4700 mm, helps in maneuverability even in narrow lanes. The inherent ability of this vehicle gives the customer an opportunity of carrying 2T loads for longer distances, which translates to more business.

The Tata 407 Pickup comes with a service interval of 20,000 kms enabling the customer to spend less on maintenance. The legendary 407 platform with 3 years / 3 lakh kms warranty gives confidence and assurance of extended life. The Tata 407 Pickup comes with a competitive price which gives the benefit of almost the same EMI, similar down payment making it an attractive business proposition.

Tata Super Ace

The Tata Super Ace is a powerful, fuel efficient, ultra stylish 1 tonne truck with unmatched 70 HP and top speed of 125 kmph to hit the Indian roads. The vehicle is a four cylinder, 475 IDI turbo intercooled diesel engine which comes with a payload of 1000 Kg. It offers a larger deck length of 8’7”, perfect for voluminous loads. The Tata Super ACE offers superior comfort for the driver, sleek styling, with fully a functional dashboard with lockable glovebox, provision for mobile charger, ORVMs on both sides and sun visor. It also has power steering, bucket seats with front to rear adjustment for better drivability and roomy car like interiors. The overall length is 4340 mm allows for easy access in narrow lanes. The Tata Super Ace comes with 12 months/50,000 kms warranty which gives confidence and assurance of extended life.

The Tata Super ACE will now enable owners to increase the number of trips in the day, provide better earnings and faster growth, thus keeping in pace with the growing business needs.

Tata Ace EX

The Tata Ace EX, offers an increased mileage of upto 6%-10% over the current ACE. It has been equipped with superior features such as five speed gear box in order to reach out to farther locations in less time with more savings, bigger tyres with higher ground clearance to negotiate off-terrain with ease, unique electronic stop and start arrangement that saves fuel at traffic jams by auto ignition and clutch start.

The Tata Ace EX comes with a warranty of 36,000 kms /12 months.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs.70,938.85 crores ($14 billion) in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com).