The BlueMotion moniker is the denomination that Volkswagen gives to its low CO₂-producing models. Such a label might not seem appropriate for a 7-seat minivan, but that didn't stop the Sharan BlueMotion from making its introduction at Geneva in February. Now, the Sharan BlueMotion is on sale in Germany. The BlueMotion designation means CO₂ emissions of 159g/km compared to the 177g/km from the regular model. Average fuel consumption of the new van is 6 l/100 km (38mpg U.S.) which is quite impressive for a seven-passenger vehicle of this size. The Sharan is propelled by a 140hp 2.0L TDI engine with a diesel particulate filter at the exhaust. Prices start at €32,200.


[Source: Autoblog en Español]

Click the Sharan BlueMotion for a high-res gallery

After introducing BlueMotion variants of the Passat, Polo and Golf within the past year, Volkswagen is extending the low-CO₂ badging to its largest model yet, the Sharan minivan. The BlueMotion models are specifically tuned for low fuel consumption and minimal CO₂ emissions. In the case of the Sharan, the BlueMotion update means CO₂ emissions of 159g/km compared to the 177g/km from the regular model. Average fuel consumption of the new van is 38mpg (U.S.) which is quite impressive for a seven-passenger vehicle of this size. The Sharan is propelled by a 140hp 2.0L TDI engine with a particulate filter downstream. More details should come at the show next week and sales are due to start in Europe this summer.


[Source: Volkswagen]

There aren't many LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) vehicles in the news these days, what with the focus on biofuels and hybrids, but Volkswagen is introducing an LPG version of its Sharan in Europe anyway. Volkswagen says the Sharan LPG will recoup the extra costs incurred at purchase after driving 35,000 km and that the car emits 15 percent less CO2 than the standard gasoline (petrol) version. The car actually can be run as a petrol car, since it is actually a bi-fuel drive system vehicle. The liquid gas tank is built into the spare tire well, "so as not to compromise the size of the car's interior" Volkswagen said in a press release. The company also says that the Sharan "is every bit the versatile touring vehicle for a large family, it is meant to be. With two tanks a total journey of almost 1,200 km can be achieved." All fine and good, but what about when you pop a tire?

[Source: DueMotori]