Clean BlueMotion Technology: Most fuel-efficient Multivan ever

As BlueMotion model the seven-seater consumes just 6.4 l/100 km
Sets new best-in-class emissions benchmark at 169g CO2 per kilometre

Hanover / Geneva, March 2011. The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand will be showing its great innovative strength at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show. Even in spacious vehicles like the Multivan, BlueMotion technology exploits significant fuel-saving potential. The full-size, new Multivan BlueMotion, for instance, consumes almost a full litre of fuel less per 100 kilometres – making it the most fuel-efficient Multivan ever.
Compared to its counterpart with the comparable engine specification from the current range (75 kW TDI), at just 6.4 l/100 km the Multivan BlueMotion needs 0.9 litres less diesel (emitting 169 rather than 193 g/km of CO2). This has been achieved by means of an efficient, high-torque common rail four cylinder engine combined with a Stop/Start system, battery regeneration, tyres with particularly low rolling resistance and special aerodynamic measures.
The 2.0 TDI engine in the Multivan BlueMotion produces 84 kW / 114 PS in power and develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton metres from just 1,500 rpm. This frugal and simultaneously both powerful and comfortable powertrain enables fine driving performance carrying up to seven people, while maintaining minimal fuel consumption.

The Stop/Start system in detail
The Stop/Start system, which is fully intuitive to use, works in a very uncomplicated way: the Multivan BlueMotion driver approaches a red light, slows to a stop, shifts to neutral and takes his or her foot off the clutch. This immediately turns the engine off. The ‘Stop/Start’ indicator now appears on the multi-function display. As soon as the traffic light switches to green and the driver puts his or her foot on the clutch, the engine automatically starts, the ‘Stop/Start’ indicator goes out, the driver puts the vehicle into gear and drives on. There is nothing else the driver has to do. The Stop/Start system thus makes an appreciable contribution toward improved fuel economy.

Battery regeneration in detail
Regenerative braking helps the vehicle to utilise energy expended in driving in the best possible way. Whenever the Multivan BlueMotion is coasting or braking, i.e. whenever the driver simply lifts his foot off the accelerator or intentionally brakes, the generator’s voltage is increased and utilised to significantly recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Thanks to this generator control and the fact that the battery is thus always optimally charged, the generator’s voltage can be reduced, for example during acceleration or when constantly maintaining the desired speed. This reduces engine load and thus lowers fuel consumption. Special software is needed for the energy management system, and the engine controller software needs to be modified to implement regenerative braking.

Multivan BlueMotion equipment
Visually the Multivan BlueMotion sets itself apart from other vehicles in the range through the model’s exclusive Glacier Blue Metallic paintwork – including for wing mirrors and door handles. Also recognisable by the BlueMotion lettering on front and back and in the tread board lights, this master of fuel economy runs as standard on 16-inch alloys with tyres that have particularly low rolling resistance. With chrome rings and a black frame, the optional fog lights are also given a design that is exclusive to the Multivan.

The Multivan BlueMotion interior differentiates itself with special seat covers in the ‘Scout’ design. Standard equipment also includes a tyre pressure indicator, ‘Climatic’ climate control, the ‘Plus’ multi-function display, cruise control and carpeted floors in the driver’s cab and passenger compartment. The stainless steel look of trim components on the instrument panel and in chrome on the light switches and gear shift knob also give the interior a clearly upgraded feel.

The Multivan BlueMotion is celebrating its debut at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. This most fuel-efficient Multivan ever will be incorporated into Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ model range starting this spring.