Volkswagen’s Concept BlueSport

For as long as I can remember the entry level roadster to buy was the Mazda MX-5. The likes of Toyota have attempted to bring out a rival in the form of the MR-2 and so did MG with the TF series. Unfortunately for competition the MX-5 has reigned as king for the past 19 odd years, a pretty long time to be considered segment leader. Volkswagen have recently unveiled what they call a design study but I certainly hope it makes it into production.

Essentially we have a mid-engined diesel roadster based on the Golf platform. It shares striking looks with the likes of the VW Scirocco and the new Golf 6. Internally there is a 2.o liter Diesel engine producing a more than capable 132KW. Mated with a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox and you’re looking 0-100KM/H speed of around 6.6 seconds. Its BlueSport monicker means that there are some new technologies resulting in increased fuel saving. These technologies include a start-stop engine and mild hybrid technologies such as energy regeneration. What this means is that you’re looking at a fuel economy of 4.3 liters of Diesel fuel per 100 kilometers.

Unfortunately not much else is known about this concept other than the above-mentioned specifications. What is known is that this is very much a concept and nothing has been said about production. I’d imagine in the current economic state that there is less desire for small, entry level roadsters. With Porsche recently taking such a majority share in VW there is going to be even less desire for the concept as it could cause a dent in Porsche Boxster sales. I’m hoping this comes into production but at the very least there is always the Mazda MX-5 as a substitute.

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