German carmaker Volkswagen is working on a new mild-hybrid system for its small car Polo. The new 48-volt electrical system with boosted battery will improve petrol engines' fuel efficiency. As it will involve low cost tech and would be more affordable to make than diesel engines, this could make diesel-powered small cars a thing of the past in Volkswagen's portfolio.
After the diesel gate row that damaged the reputation of the company in 2015, Volkswagen has been investing on electric as well as hybrid powertrains. The new mild-hybrid system is a part of the drive to re-instate trust among customers.
"A 48-volt mild hybrid would work on Polo and Golf," Dr Frank Welsch, VW's development head, was quoted as saying by Auto Express. "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."
Dr Welsh also hinted at the brand's transition from diesel vehicles. "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."
The debut of the mild-hybrid system is expected to take place with the next generation of the Polo coming by the end of 2017. The new VW Polo will be based on the MQB A0 platform, the smallest iteration of the MQB platform. As per reports, Volkswagen will give some serious upgrades to the exterior and interior of the new Polo to make the car more premium. The dimensions of the vehicle will also be increased.
Since India is an important market for the company, the new Polo with hybrid engine will be launched in India soon after the global unveiling.
