We've got more info -- and pictures! -- about the diesel hybrid Golf we've already told you Volkswagen is rolling out at the Geneva Motor Show, and it looks impressive.
According to a Google translation of Germany's Auto Bild, the potential Prius killer sports a 74-horsepower three-cylinder TDI engine -- Autoblog speculates it's the 1.4-liter used in the Polo BlueMotion -- mated to a 27-horsepower electric motor and a seven-speed double-clutch DSG transmission. There's a nickel-metal hydride battery in the trunk; a regenerative braking system helps keep it charged. The car has stop/start capability and a full-electric mode at low speed. An "energy monitor" display on the dashboard keeps tabs on what the powertrain is doing.
According to Auto Bild, the hybrid Golf will get 69.9 mpg and emit 90 g/km of carbon dioxide. An earlier report by Britain's Auto Express said 89 g/km, but either way that's less than the 104 g/km emitted by the Prius and 116 emitted by the Honda Civic Hybrid.
So -- is Volkswagen going to build it? VW says it's just a concept at this point, but Auto Bild says it is "more than a concept car" and Auto Express flat-out says "the first hybrid Golfs are expected here (meaning Britain) late next year."
We'll keep you posted.
Look! More pics!
The Golf TDI Hybrid gets a narrower grille, lowered suspension and lower-resistance tires to improve fuel economy. VW calls the color
Vivid Blue.
A graphic display shows where the power is coming from and how much is consumed.
Images from Volkswagen via Auto Bild.
