Volkswagen to downsize Golf engines

Click here for all the official information and pictures for the 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mark VI

Expect to see smaller engines for Volkswagen’s brand new Golf MK 6 when it's unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show in October. High fuel prices are pushing buyers towards engines with less cylinders and lower displacements and VW is keen to pick up on the trend.

The company recently released a 1.4L TSI ‘TwinCharger’ engine that features both a turbocharger and supercharger, but the new model may get a 1.2L or even a 1.0L mill developing 75hp. According to Wolfgang Steiger, VW's manager for powertrain research, the company may even opt to build these engines with just three cylinders.

Buyers will have to wait until next year for them to be available, he told Automotive News.

Volkswagen will be one of the hardest hit when tough new fuel economy and C02 regulations are passed in the EU. The company has been working to reduce the pollution generated across its fleet by introducing special ‘Bluemotion’ models, which use aerodynamic optimization, better electronic engine management, and low resistance tires to achieve lower mileage rates.

Hybrids are also on the cards for VW, though no solid plans have been made yet. The carmaker is rumored to be preparing a diesel-hybrid Golf that will achieve economy rates of 69MPG.

Despite the push towards more fuel efficient cars in the U.S. it’s still unlikely we’ll see a three-cylinder Rabbit Stateside, as the 75hp engines are better suited purely towards city driving rather than long highway journeys.

Volkswagen Golf VI renderings