The Golf Made of River Grass and Bamboo

Volkswagen considered "green" was perfect for its Golf and used the scene of the Geneva Auto Show to present their planet-saving alternative, under the shape of the Golf TDI Hybrid.

The German engineers decided it was time for an alliance between an electric motor and a diesel engine, so, the final result was a source of propulsion not only economical, but also clean, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. An unique combination between a 1.2 liter, 75 Hp TDI engine, a 220 V electric 27 Hp motor and the new 7-speed DSG transmission allows the new prototype to achieve a fuel consumption of only 3.4 liters for 100 km , while emitting only 89 g/km of CO2. Such figures could not have been achieved without some already well known green/hybrid tricks like energy saving Michelin tires, regenerative braking, start/stop system, a low profile body and aerodynamic tweaks.

With the propulsion matter solved, Volkswagen engineers directed their efforts toward the materials used in the fabrication process. As a result, the center area of the seats is made of "river grass", a material produced from recycled polyester. The leather used is recycled from scraps of the leather processing industry while the decorative trims on the dashboard and doors are made of quickly growing and regenerative bamboo.

Although this prototype is just a sample of ecological engineering, as Volkswagen have officially not announced a future production model, fans of the German brand can dream about it.