VW Passat BlueMotion Concept Hits 42 MPG Highway

"A turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque powers the car, and features the worlds first application of cylinder deactivation on an inline four power plant." I don't think that's entirely true, at least it's a stretch. The same 1.4 T(F)SI was also in use last year (2013), with an output of 140 hp, and CoD (Cylinder on Demand). They have been up for purchace since the late summer in Europe. Therefore, the predecessor of the same engine also had CoD, and would be the first application of such. Just as a facelift model is rarely the "first model of its kind". To be honest, it's appaulingly poor though - 42 MPG isn't much considering the BlueMotion tag - let alone a model title and a concept car. The Polo (not sure if it exists in US, but it's a smaller version of a Golf) achieved 70+ MPG at its release quite a few years ago, and was called BlueMotion. A less economical version of the same car with DSG could offer 63 MPG. This version was not called BlueMotion though. Today, every single new Golf Variant (estate) sold in Europe features "BMT" BlueMotion Technologies, even though the most economic version manages 70+ MPG, the version with a TDI and 4Motion, which "only" manages 47 MPG is also a BlueMotion. What's the point in a "special model"-tag, if it's used on every model? And how can a car have both "BlueMotion" and "4Motion" tags, when - like it or not - 4Motion costs 7 MPG? I'd prefer 4Motion any day, but the BlueMotion tag doesn't make sense there. Apparently, they fit it to every vehicle with a start/stop system, regardless of the other technologies. A true BlueMotion model runs on low drag tires with a high tire pressure, has a closed front end, sits lower, controls rear turbulence through a rear spoiler, has aerodynamic flat underside, several weight reduced components, etc... A true BlueMotion model is boring to drive but fun to refuel. I don't want that, and currently I have it the other way around with my 1.8TSi Passat, which is very fun to drive, but thirsty. That's fine by me, but I would shrug, if they put a BlueMotion sticker on it.

It never ceases to amaze me that VW cars get media attention for outstanding fuel mileage. I have yet to meet any VW owner who did not get better than advertised fuel mileage. I am certain there are people who do not but for this comment I am specifically speaking about people I now or have met with VW's so no need to comment with a follow up about your bad VW experiences.