Stop/start treatment for Passat

Volkswagen claims its new Passat BlueMotion model is the most efficient, economical and environmentally friendly Passat yet produced. Building on the gains in efficiency made by the existing Passat BlueMotion, the new BlueMotion 2 features an automatic stop/start system linked to a new 2.0-litre TDi 110 PS common rail diesel engine. This engine will replace the outgoing 1.9 litre TDi 105 PS unit injector engine. Based on a conventional Passat body, the BlueMotion 2 features better aerodynamics through a 15mm reduction in ride height. The car has a unique grille element and front bumper with the usual air intakes blanked-off and relocated to the underside of the vehicle in order to reduce aerodynamic drag. This new 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine features special electronic mapping to reduce the idle speed and optimise the engine for economy. The five-speed manual gearbox is also heavily revised with new, longer ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears to reduce loading on the engine and improve efficiency. Volkswagen was one of the first manufacturers to introduce a stop/start system on the Golf Ecomatic back in 1994. The system has been substantially developed and is now applied to the new Passat BlueMotion 2. The automatic stop/start system operates through the clutch. For example, when coming to a halt at traffic lights, the driver depresses the clutch and selects neutral. When the clutch is released, the engine shuts down and a 'stop/start" symbol illuminates on the multifunction display. In order to move away, the driver simply depresses the clutch one again to select first gear and the engine re-starts automatically. Should the driver wish, the system can be deactivated through a switch located on the centre console. Volkswagen claims the combined effect of the system and the adoption of the new 2.0 litre TDi common rail diesel engine serve to improve economy significantly and reduce emissions over the outgoing vehicle. Economy on the Passat BlueMotion 2 rises from 55.4mpg (55.3mpg for the estate) to 57.6mpg for the saloon and estate models. Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 136g/km (137g/km for the estate) down to 128g/km and 129g/km, respectively. Despite the keen focus on economy, the Passat comes with an extensive list of standard equipment, including alloy wheels with low rolling-resistance tyres, six airbags, ABS, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), a CD stereo, air conditioning and cruise control, all as standard. Irish prices have yet to be finalised for this latest model.