Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer has announced that it will be expanding its BlueMotion models to include the Touran and Sharan
. This green initiative from VW will make both the models the most fuel efficient seven seaters.
Volkswagen uses the BlueMotion label to distinguish its most environmentally friendly and fuel efficient models. The BlueMotion models consist of a series of small changes to the cars body, drive train, engine and even tyres to help reduce the strain on the cars engine which in turn reduces CO2 emissions and increases fuel efficiency.
In the Sharan and Touran models the front grille has been redesigned with the air ducts redirected to allow the usual airdams to be blanked-off and allow for smoother airflow over the front of the vehicle. Both the models also have a lower ride height which helps reduce drag; they also have hard tyres to reduce rolling resistance.
A Volkswagen Sharan dealership in London has told us that the BlueMotion Sharan comes with a 140bhp 2.0 litre TDI engine, mated to a revised gearbox that has longer ratios in third, fourth and fifth. The addition of an oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter help reduce CO2 emissions to almost zero.
The BlueMotion Sharan can do 47.1 miles to the gallon on a combined cycle and emits just 159g/km of CO2. The main focus of the BlueMotion models is to reduce CO2 emissions and increase the MPG but that has not affected the level of equipment on the cars. Both the Sharan and Touran BlueMotion models have a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including six airbags, ABS, a CD stereo and air conditioning.