While scoping out the new Scirocco, we also spotted Volkswagen's slick new VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept. Looking lightly less racy than the new coupe to its left, this little economy powerhouse focuses on high mpg rather than high mph. As we just told you yesterday-ish, the car pairs a 75 PS (74 HP) three-cylinder TDI with a 27 HP electric motor and routes it through a 7-speed DSG to average a staggering 69 mpg (3.4l/100km) in the European cycle. And it also addresses emissions concerns with carbon dioxide rating of just under 90 g/km. V-Dub didn't expound upon the TDI Hybrid at length in their press release, but we've posted the excerpt that pertains to VW's miserly Golf after the jump.
Besides the impressive stats, our favorite bits are the wheel inserts that help improve aerodynamics in a way that somewhat reminded us of the Ferrari F1 car. Kudos, VeeDub and please bring it Stateside asap.
Auto Bild has decided to "help" Volkswagen introduce the VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept that the automaker will be unveiling in Geneva a few days from now. So, how does it look? Pretty impressive. The car mates a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI (presumably the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion), a 27 horsepower electric motor and a 7-speed DSG to average 69 mpg (3.4l/100km) in the European cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 90 g/km. The electric motor is powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery. Based on the Google Translation of the page, we glean that the Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid capable of running on electric power, diesel power or a combination of the two. It also uses regenerative braking, a stop/start system, and one of those energy monitor videogame screens that gives you a graphical representation of the powertrain's activity. Visually, the car sports a new Vivid Blue finish and employs narrower grillework, a lowered suspension, and low-rolling-resistance rubber to help maximize aerodynamics and fuel economy. We'll bring you full details from the show next week.
