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Greenpeace Explains the 3 Liter Golf

Greenpeace is leading a campaign against Volkswagen's environmental record for some time.

Just in time for the start of the campaign for the new and seventh VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
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, the environmentalist organization Greenpeace once again target the Wolfsburg based automobile company with regards to the environmental performance of its vehicles.

This time, the new Golf is at the center of criticism, of which first technical details have been leaking out for the past few days. The seventh generation of the VW bestseller will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.

While Volkswagen advertises the new generation with its improved fuel consumption and emission levels, it is 100 kg lighter, and 23% more economical and emissions are reduced by 13.9%, this effort is far from enough for the Greenpeace activists. Their demand is to reduce the consumption of the Golf to 3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Greenpeace argues in its report that a fuel consumption of about 3.4 liter of gasoline or 3 liter of diesel with CO2 emissions of 80 grams would be possible for the Golf. This should be possible through the use of conventional technology - without electrification and without compromising on safety, comfort and performance. A significant reduction in consumption and emissions would therefore be possible in just four relatively simple steps improving aerodynamics and drivetrain, and reducing weight and friction on the tyres. Greenpeace thus calls into question Volkswagen's declared commitment to environmental sustainability, as the simple measures should have no significant impact on the production costs.

The Greenpeace campaign is timed perfectly and finds Volkswagen's soft spot. Currently, the largest European car company is planning to overtake ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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as the world's largest automaker. With such big plans, the company faces the question of the real environmental footprint of its products. Initial estimates say that the seventh Golf will be sold over 1 million times within the first four years alone. Over a period of 10 years, Greenpeace reckons with around 10 million vehicles. While the eco-friendly hybrid and electric models attract much media attention, they still remain a statstical niche market. That the ecological footprint of a popular model such as the Golf is relatively more significant, is made strikingly clear by this campaign.

The VW Golf Generations

The compact Golf was launched by Volkswagen in 1974 and has been ever since the most successful model of the German brand, even overcoming the mythic Beetle. It has been the top selling VW model, with over 21 million build and sold, having saved the company by the time Beetle’s sales were falling dramatically.

Golf Mk1, 1974-84

The first generation of the Golf was launched in 1974, starting a new sort of vehicles for Volkswagen: the front wheel drive with front-mounted water-cooled engine cars. Petrol engines ranged between the 1.1L and the 1.8L, with power outputs from 49 to 110hp. As for the diesel engine, there were 1.5L and 1.6L options, with power outputs between 48 and 69hp.

Golf Mk2, 1983-92

The second generation of the Golf would be launched in August 1983, as a slightly bigger and somewhat rounded version. Both interior and exterior dimensions, as well as the weight and the wheelbase length, were a little bit higher. The most basic engine for this generation of the Golf was the 1.3L, while the most powerful one was a 2.0L, both petrol engines. The diesel engine range included only the 1.6L choice, which could either be naturally aspired or turbocharged.

Golf Mk3, 1991-99

In 1991, the third-generation Golf was released. The Mk3 Golf would win 1992’s Car of the Year election. Petrol engines ranged between the 1.4L and the 2.9L, with output respectively from 54 to 188 hp.
There was only the 1.9L diesel engine available, but its variants ranged amongst the D, SDI and TDI; diesel engines produced from 63 to 109 hp.

Golf Mk4, 1997-2003

For the Golf’s fourth generation, Volkswagen provided some extra innovation in high-performance engines, especially for the 2002’s R32 version with its 3.2L VR6 engine. The Mk4’s range also included a 1.8L turbocharged gas engine, as well as the 12-valve 2.8L VR6.

Golf Mk5, 2003-2009

By the year 2005, Volkswagen’s top selling model reached the 24 million built and sold. It has been officially declared the world’s third most sold car. Engines for the Golf Mk5 now include direct-injection FSIs and TDIs. Petrol engines range from a 1.4L – turbocharged and supercharged – to the GTI’s 2.0L and the R32’s 3.2L. The diesel engines were a 1.9L TDI and a 2.0L TDI or SDI.

Golf Mk6, 2008-2012

By the launch of the sixth generation in 2008, a total of about 26 million units of the model had been sold since its introduction. The engine range at launch included 59 kW / 80 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS power units. The petrol engines, starting at 90 kW, were all charged TSI engines while the diesels were new common rail TDI engines.

Golf Mk7, 2012

The new Golf debuted in 2012. The seventh generation Golf is 56mm longer overall and has a 59mm wider track, but it is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model and gets 23% fuel economy. The wheelbase is 43mm longer. The cleanest BlueMotion model uses 3.2l/100km of fuel and emits 85g/km of CO2. The new car has received an environmental certificate from TÜV Nord. Compared to the previous model it uses resources 12% more efficiently.