The times are here for the auto manufacturers to highlight frugality as one of their premier talking points and USPs. There were times when you would keep an eye on the speed gauge as you accelerate, but now there are lights that pop up indicating the mileage you would expect if such exuberance is persisted with. I have been a proponent of perfecting the engines and technology on offer now rather than turning our attention towards hybrids and alternative fuels.
This is where Volkswagen’s special engineering department comes in and supports my cause. This wing of the German car maker has developed ‘BlueMotion’ which denotes the most thermally efficient variant in each of the VW models. A variant because there are no large-scale changes except for the price tag. The slight aerodynamic changes – a new grille, extended front bumper and rear wing - work wonders. The 1.4L, three cylinder turbo-diesel, with high pressure direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbocharger, all electronically controlled, develops 79bhp. The Polo BlueMotion had a claimed figure of 26kpl but then European testing that includes a mix of cold starts, fast runs in freezing temperatures, rain and coasting through the urban jungle delivered a figure of 19kpl! This is amazing if you consider the figures of the celebrated Toyota Prius, under the same test conditions which stood at 15kpl. Needless to mention, hybrids do have a long way to go.
Narrow tyres and taller gear ratios add to the fuel efficiency. The large gaps between the ratios do make you feel a little uneasy but if you pick a certain gear for particular routes, the ride will be a hassle free. The narrow, low-rolling resistance tyres affect the ride and grip but will thrill anyone who can handle a slide. The Polo BlueMotion is 8kg lighter than the normal 1.4TDi.
This technology can be adopted throughout the VW range but then will cost more. It is obvious that the savings will show later on. The money that has gone into research and development is what adds to the price tag. There are no special batteries or cells that power it. It is a normal 1.4 Diesel with phenomenal mileage figures. It would be a real boon if the sole representative of VW, the Passat and successive Indian offerings would have such a variant on offer. Some European governments do offer tax waivers on the purchase of energy-saving cars which makes the likes of the BlueMotion a more lucrative buy. Such incentives by the Indian government could bring in more offerings like the Polo BlueMotion and stabilize the fossil fuel issue rather than looking for hybrids and alternative fuels as solutions. Research, development, and then practical application do come at a price and it cannot be hustled and hence the price difference to the other versions is understandable and initiatives have been taken by governments to lure people rather than just be spooked away by the price. If such strides can be taken in technology and automakers can increase budgets for R&D without guaranteed revenue, the governments too can lend a hand in terms of tax waivers and ride the change for a better tomorrow.
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