German auto major, Volkswagen is working on a new mild-hybrid system for its small cars – Polo and Golf. The plan is for the hybrid hatchbacks aims to improve fuel efficiency of the petrol engines. This new technology will include a new 48-volt electrical system with boosted battery. Volkswagen’s development head, Dr Frank Welsch said this mild-hybrid technology will enhance the petrol engine’s emissions by between 6 g/km – 8g/km of CO2.
This move will surely help the German carmaker to improve its market image after dieselgate. It will also help it regaining trust among customers. Since VW’s hybrid technology will cost low with petrol engine, this could make diesel-powered small cars a thing of the past. Furthermore, this new mild-hybrid system will help the cars qualify to get a subsidy under the government’s FAME initiative. This means, there could be a marginal reduction in the prices of the hatchbacks. Read – Upcoming Volkswagen Cars in India
Speaking about the new hybrid technology, VW’s development head, Dr Frank Welsch said, “A 48-volt mild hybrid would work on Polo and Golf. It offers better recuperation and near silent start/stop, so you don’t feel the engine cutting out and starting. With a cruising function also you will achieve savings starting at around six to eight g/km of CO2 and in real-life conditions.”
“Today diesel engines are more expensive and this distance is going to grow as we have to work to tougher standards. We have enough customers for diesel in cars like Polo now, but that might not be the case forever”, he added further.
Reports suggest that Volkswagen’s new hybrid system will debut on the next-generation Volkswagen Polo hatchback that will go on sale by the end of 2017. The new Polo sits on the MQB A0 platform, which the smallest iteration of the MQB platform. The new Polo will see comprehensive exterior and interior upgrades.
The Volkswagen Polo Hybrid might also come to India soon after its global debut. Though, one must note that the carmaker hasn’t yet confirmed anything about its India launch.
