VW has introduced a new petrol version to the Golf
range that claims to offer the same fuel efficiency with a diesel for the
cheaper price of a petrol model. The new VW Golf 1.5 TSI ACT Bluemotion is
powered by the 128 hp version of the company’s 1.5-liter TSI engine. The
powertrain features the Active Cylinder Management system, which shuts off two
of the four cylinders when possible for better fuel economy, as well as an
‘eco-coasting’ function when it’s paired to the optional seven-speed DSG
transmission.
VW says that the 1.5 TSI ACT Bluemotion
paired with the DSG classifies as a micro-hybrid system because of its coasting
function. The system releases the accelerator pedal as soon as the driver goes
off the throttle or the car is going down a slight slope, switches off the
engine completely and decouples it by disengaging the clutch.
VW claims a reduction in fuel consumption up to
0.4lt/100km, with the ‘eco-coasting’ mode working through the 12-volt
electrical system and a compact lithium-ion battery that supplies energy to all
relevant systems during the phases with the engine turned off.
According the NEDC, the VW Golf 1.5 TSI ACT
Bluemotion returns a combined 4.8lt/100km (58.8 mpg UK), with the extra urban
figure dropping to 4.0lt/100km (70.6 mpg UK) when fitted with the seven-speed
DSG transmission.
The engine itself also features a turbocharged with
variable turbine technology (VTG) and runs on the Miller combustion process.
VW’s optimized valvetrain control with early closure of the inlet valves
combined with the higher compression and turbocharging allows it to return up
to 10 percent better fuel efficiency when combined with a similarly powered
petrol engine.
VW will offer the 1.5 TSI ACT Bluemotion powertrain
to more models, as well as introduce further derivatives of the powertrain in
global markets, including with fewer cylinders and smaller engine displacement.
The new VW Golf 1.5 TSI ACT Bluemotion is available now in Europe, in both hatchback
and Variant bodystyles.
