20 Feb 08 16:56
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen is to unveil a diesel-electric hybrid Golf capable of returning an astonishing 83.1mpg and emitting just 89g/km of carbon dioxide.
This isn't Volkswagen's first hybrid: it experimented with a trial petrol-electric fleet in the early 90s and it has been developing diesel-electric units for some years (one took part in the 2004 Challenge Bibendum eco-car rally in Shanghai).
This is the first near-production example, however, and the first of many.
The technology will be used in a number of Volkswagen Group models, including the Jetta saloon - which sells in greater numbers in the US than the 'Rabbit' - and the Audi A3.
The diesel-electric powertrain has been developed specifically with the US market in mind, and California in particular.
As well as the Euro 5 emissions criteria, it will meet the US BIN 5 requirements for sale in all 50 states.
Volkswagen will launch the production-ready Scirocco coupe in Geneva, alongside an E85-compatible Passat Ecofuel and a low-consumption Sharan Bluemotion.
The Passat CC will also be seen in Europe for the first time.
