When Volkswagen showed off the Golf TDI Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show last month there was plenty of interest in the 69mpg concept. The combination of a 1.2L diesel, hybrid electric drive and a 7 speed DSG transmission yields some seriously thrifty performance. Unfortunately all that cool hardware adds up to quite a bit of cost and it now looks like the bottom line is too big to justify for a car in the Golf's market segment. German magazine Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the Golf TDI Hybrid will not come to pass. Instead, VW will combine the hybrid system with a 1.4 TFSI four cylinder. In the Geneva press release VW said "The Golf TDI Hybrid is currently a concept vehicle, but a version of this vehicle is likely to go into production in the future." VW of America Spokesman Keith Price told ABG that no firm production plans were announced and the car was just a concept. With the U.S. dollar in continued decline, it seems unlikely we'll see anything as fancy as the TDI hybrid or any other hybrid until VW gets a U.S. production site on-line.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (print only), via The Truth About Cars]

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Golf TDI Hybrid Concept

Finally, we have the full, complete details on the Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid concept. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, lets get one thing out of the way. Volkswagen confirms that a version of this very car is likely to see production (in Europe, at least). Now, on to the details. The Golf TDI hybrid pairs a 74 hp/132 lb-ft 1.2L 3-cylinder diesel (not the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion, as had been speculated) with a 26.6 hp/103 lb-ft electric motor. At low speeds, the car will run in EV-only mode, with the TDI joining in if/when necessary. The tandem should be good for for 69 US mpg and 89 g/km of CO2 emissions in the EU combined cycle. The electric motor replaces the starter motor and alternator, and it will also charge the car's 220v NiMH battery via regenerative braking. When stopped, the diesel cuts out entirely. This is behavior that hybrid drivers are accustomed to. Where this Golf concept veers from the norm somewhat is in its use of a 7-speed DSG instead of a CVT. According to VW, using the dual-clutch transmission helps maximize fuel economy. What's left unsaid, but is known to anyone who has driven a DSG-equipped VW or Audi, is that it should also make it much more engaging to drive, given that the operator can manually shift if he or she wants to.

Visually, the Golf TDI Hybrid is lowered, has smaller intakes, sports a unique grille design, and wears aerodynamic wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires -- all lessons VW has learned with its various Euro-market BlueMotion offerings. The front splitter is the same one used on the GTI Edition 30, and occupants will find a uniquely-trimmed interior waiting for them. Overall, this is a very attractive package that pairs a popular, practical body style with a compelling drivetrain that should not struggle in any normal driving situation. 100+ horses and 235 lb-ft of combined power ensure that the Golf TDI Hybrid can merge and pass with ease, and its hybrid operation should make it excel in local/urban runabout duty. They may be late to the party, but VW looks to have brought something good for the guests to try.


[Source: Volkswagen]

Click image for a gallery of the Golf TDI Hybrid

German buff mag Auto Bild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid concept. As we reported earlier, the car will average 69 US mpg in the European cycle and emit just 90 g/km of carbon dioxide, but we now know more details on the powertrain itself.

According to the Google Translation, the diesel engine is a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI, presumably the 1.4L unit used in the Polo BlueMotion (thanks to commenter Eddy for that reminder). It's augmented by a 27-horsepower electric motor what's powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery back. As previously reported, a 7-speed DSG is used in lieu of the CVTs commonly employed by other hybrids, which should make for a more engaging experience behind the wheel. The Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid, so it can run on diesel, electric, or a combination of the two. It also employs regenerative braking ad a stop/start system. The driver can keep an eye on the powertrain's goings-on via an Energy Monitor screen on the instrument panel. Visually, the car wears a new paint color called Vivid Blue and sports a lowered suspension, a narrower grille opening, and low-rolling-resistance tires, all in the interests of improved aerodynamics and fuel economy. We'll bring you more on the Golf TDI Hybrid when it makes its formal debut next week.


[Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog]