Volkswagen World

FAQs - Environment

• What is BlueMotion?

  BlueMotion is a range of cars designed by Volkswagen which have been modified to minimise their impact on the environment by being more economical and producing less CO2. Click here for more information.

• Where can I find information on CO2 emissions?

  CO2 information can be found on the website under the ‘new cars’ menu option. Select the model choice, then click on ‘Engines & Performance’.

• Can I use biodiesel in my car?

  Volkswagen Group does approve the use of diesel fuel containing up to 5% Biodiesel in all of its diesel vehicles. Filling station forecourts supply diesel (to the standard EN590), which can contain up to 5% Biodiesel with 95% Fossil fuel. The use of this fuel requires no modifications to the vehicle or changes to the vehicles' maintenance schedule. For full details on the use of Biodiesel within Volkswagen Cars please download the Biodiesel Statement.

• How can I drive in a more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly manner?

  • Try to avoid using your car for short journeys: use public transport, ride a bicycle or walk.

  • Plan ahead: choose uncongested routes, combine trips, car share.

  • Cold starts: drive off as soon as possible after starting.

  • Drive smoothly and efficiently: harsh acceleration and heavy braking have a very significant effect on fuel consumption. Driving more smoothly saves fuel.

  • Slow down: driving at high speeds significantly increases fuel consumption.

  • Use higher gears as soon as traffic conditions allow.

  • Switch off: sitting stationary is zero miles per gallon. Switch off the engine whenever it is safe to do so.

  • Lose weight: don’t carry unnecessary weight, empty the clutter.

  • Remove roof racks when not in use; they add weight, increase drag, and increase fuel consumption.

  • Regular servicing helps keep the engine at its most efficient.

  • Regularly check your tyres to ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure.

  • Do not compromise safety, but be aware that the use of onboard electrical devices increases fuel consumption.

  • Check your fuel consumption - it will help you get the most from the car. Changes in overall fuel consumption may indicate a fault.

  • Use air-conditioning sparingly, as running it continuously increases fuel consumption significantly.

• My vehicle does not produce the same fuel consumption figures as shown in the 'New Car Fuel Consumption and Emission Figures' published by Volkswagen.

  There are a number of reasons why the two figures may not be the same – and they are primarily due to the nature of the standard tests which are used to produce the figures, which do not necessarily reflect real-world driving conditions.

  The current mpg tests were designed to give accurate results, but they also need to be cost-effective and easily repeatable in order to give a ‘level playing field’ on which all manufacturers can be tested.

  This means that the huge range of variables which affect fuel economy – including terrain, vehicle loading, temperature, aerodynamic effects and personal driving style – cannot be taken into account, as it would be impossible to replicate all these elements and produce consistent and fair publishable results. For more information on how fuel consumption is calculated and other fuel consumption related questions, please see the FAQ section on the VCA Web Site.

• I’m thinking of buying a vehicle with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Can you explain what it is?

  In simple terms, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of the exhaust system responsible for cleaning the engine exhaust gases before they enter the atmosphere. The DPF uses advanced technology to perform this task. The exhaust smoke and black soot is reduced, the result is a cleaner environment and less pollution entering the atmosphere.

• I make lots of short journeys – how will this affect my DPF?

  The particles are trapped on the walls of the DPF, stored and continually disposed of. We call this process ‘regeneration’. The DPF system needs the car to be driven at a constant road speed so the regeneration process can be completed successfully. Lots of short journeys, and trips that involve stop/start traffic, may cause the regeneration cycle to be unsuccessful. A single, longer journey may be all that is required for regeneration to be successfully completed.

  If your typical driving profile involves short trips in heavy traffic, you may wish to reconsider your choice of a car, and may prefer to choose one with a small petrol engine instead.

• Are the servicing requirements different for vehicles with DPFs?

  No, the servicing requirements are the same as for cars without DPFs. The only additional component that would need replacement is the DPF itself. However, the life expectancy of a DPF is around 100,000 miles, which is similar to that of a petrol catalyst or exhaust silencer.

  The car’s DPF will be adversely affected by:

  • Incorrect servicing

  • The use of oil that doesn’t meet the required specification (VW507 00)

  • The use of poor‐quality fuel

  • The use of fuel that has a high percentage of bio‐diesel and doesn’t meet the required specification (ie EN590 [standard forecourt diesel], which can contain up to seven per cent bio‐fuel).

  These conditions can all cause premature blockages and/or failure of the DPF and other engine components.

• Should I choose a vehicle that has a DPF?

  This depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. If you have any concerns, speak to a member of your Retailer’s sales team.