The substantial improvement in fuel efficiency will come from a system that shuts off two of the four cylinders when the loading is light, and brings them back into work when the accelerator is pressed hard for overtaking or roundabout exit and similar needs.
The engine will be available next year.
Speaking at a refresher day for Irish motoring journalists, Volkswagen Ireland's Steffen Nass noted that across the brand's registrations in Ireland there are currently 157 petrol and diesel powertrain options.
He said that 44 percent of VW's now being registered here are BlueMotion engine versions, and 98 percent of the brand's cars sold here are in the A and B CO2 tax bands.
