BlueMotion - is it worth it?

[mikeselectricstuff]

My Hyundai Coupe getting rear-ended yesterday hastened my search for something to replace it. Hyundai seem to have lost the plot with their new Coupe thing ,and after a lot of searching it seems like the Scirocco is the only decent current coupe that doesn't attract boy-racer insurance or have other problems. Looking at many reviews it's hard to find anyone with anything bad to say about it, so I'm sold.

Looking at buying nearly-new (<10kmiles) , and will need to get something quickly, so possibles will be partly dictated by what's available so don't want to limit choices too much.
I spent a while on the VW site narrowing down the options and I'm now down to GT, Manual, Blue, probably 140PSes.

However I was struggling to find good info on pros/cons of Bluemotion, not helped as it seems to cover a range of features, not all of which are implemented in all models.

Start-Stop I understand. However I'm a little unclear about the regenerative braking thing - AFAICS it is included on the GT, but I couldn't find info on exactly how it works, in particular when it's recovered the energy, what does it do with it, and is it actually worthwhile.

As an electronics engineer I'm guessing it's probably mananging power flow between the alternator and battery - does it then use the alternator to boost power during acceleration? Does it use a bigger/seperate battery?

My usage is typically short (10-20 mile) motorway and heavy city traffic, and prefer tyre life, lower insurance and runing costs to turbo-nutter performance (no offence intended!) - is it worth limiting my search to the BlueMotion models?

[whiteDevil_170]

Welcome

Tbh bluemotion is designed for high millage. I can't see how 10-20 miles would justify getting a bluemotion. Saying that I do less and bought a 170.. I'm don't know about the braking thing so ill leave that to someone with more knowledge on that subject.

It's worth it if you are going to be doing loads of miles. A normal 140 gt would be fine or a 170 if you could stretch that far if its a diesel you want.

[Cuprabob]

I don't think you can get a 140 GT that isn't bluemotion now, unless you buy one of the earliest ones.

When you brake, it increases the output of the alternator, increasing the load of the the alternator on the engine and gives additional engine braking. It's just charging the normal battery, so there is no separate battery. On acceleration, the reverse takes place and the load of alternator on the engine is reduced aiding acceleration.

It's not like KERS in F1 where the energy is stored in a battery and then a motor is activated during the acceleration phase on demand.

[Mark V]

All 140's are BMT now. The start/stop will be useful in reducing fuel use in heavy traffic but is not everyones cup of tea (although you can turn it off).

[whiteDevil_170]

Oh k didn't know that.. The early models wasn't though where they?

[Mark V]

No. Not sure when it changed - my price list is dated 11 July 2012 and the 140's are all BMT.

[Cuprabob]

Don't quote me, but I think BMT was introduced to the 140 in MY11.5 (Week 45 2010)

[polo2002]

I got my 140 BMT last July and it has exceeded my expectations. I only do 18 miles per day in it to work and home and it's returning an average of 58MPG. it gives 62+ MPG on a good run including motorways at 70 MPH indicated speed and running the legal limit on A roads. I think this is good because its DSG as well which switches the engine off when you come to a standstill.