Volkswagen Bluemotion, a Greener Shade of Blue

For years, fans at Chelsea have known that “Blue is the colour”. So why did it take Volkswagen so long to cotton on? Using existing technology, Volkswagen have developed and launched Bluemotion models just about throughout their range, offering an economical alternative for those who love trees and polar bears. Boosting their green credentials is obviously a win win situation for the German automaker. But why, if this is making use of existing technology, is it not already being implemented on all cars that are produced?

Models to have already undergone the Bluemotion treatment include the Polo, Golf, Golf Plus, Jetta, Passat Saloon, Passat Estate and the Touran. Aerodynamic tweaks, lowered suspension, redesigned radiator grilles, longer gearing, low rolling resistance tyres and a gear change indicator for optimum fuel efficiency all contribute to making the Bluemotion models the most frugal, and therefore, the most economical cars in the Volkswagen range. So, if all it takes to improve fuel efficiency is the odd tweak here and there, why aren’t all motor manufacturers doing the same?

It is immediately understandable that some sacrifices have to be made to produce a car that is aesthetically pleasing and as aerodynamically efficient as possible, but looking at the models that have undergone this treatment, it is extremely difficult to spot just what these changes are. It’s not as if the front of the cars now bear a striking resemblance to a porpoise. These changes should surely be made across the range of all cars, not just on cars that carry a premium, however small that premium may be.

Lowering the suspension also improves the aerodynamic efficiency. Formula One has known this for years, but we’re only talking millimeters here, we aren’t talking about having three eighths of ply protecting our bums from the harsh tarmac. Traffic calming measures may be slightly more uncomfortable to negotiate, but once again, surely this is something that can be implemented across the range.

Longer gearing will probably be one of the most noticeable areas where a difference can be detected. 0 – 60 and 0 – 100 times will obviously be affected, but hold on a second, when was the last time you saw a Volkswagen Polo gunning down the Bonneville Salt Flats. These days most cars in cities don’t get above ten miles per hour and on the motorway you just need to get up to a cruising speed and stay there. Would it be such a big deal if longer gearing was adopted for all cars? Surely 99% of motorists would be quite happy to arrive 30 seconds later, safe in the knowledge that the penguins will have somewhere to live for the next few years.

With little knowledge of vulcanisation, apart from the fact it was invented by Mr. Spock along with the death grip, it’s time to look at low rolling resistance tyres. One method of lowering resistance was achieved by hardening the compound of the rubber. Even with limited knowledge, it is an understandable conclusion that grip is reduced when the roads are wet or the tyres are cold. To compensate for this, Silica has now been developed into the rubber compound. In fact, nowadays, most car tyres have Silica as part of their compound make up and unless there is a massive problem with the tyres that are used on the Bluemotion range (which there doesn’t appear to be), it appears these tyres could be fitted to the majority of cars that are produced.

Finally, but no less important. A small light comes on to tell you when you’re thrashing the car to death and should really think about engaging the next gear. Now, not wishing to appear deafist, surely as the engine starts screaming and the pistons try to vacate through the cylinder head, there must be a point when most people change gear before their eardrums burst. However this specialist little bit of trickery advises you to change gear at the point where you are achieving maximum fuel efficiency. Hmmmm. A small light? Chances are, this too could be fitted to all vehicles as standard.

So, in summary, hats off to Volkswagen for producing a range of cars that DO make a difference. The only question that remains is why they don’t use this existing technology across every vehicle in their range? The answer? They can now charge us for being greener and cleaner. As said earlier. It’s a win win situation for the German manufacturer.

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