Who says you need a hybrid to get phenomenal gas mileage? No one at Volkswagen, that's for sure, as it's announced today the unveiling of the Golf BlueMotion concept. Volkswagen says the concept Golf nets an incredible 73.4 mpg in the combined European cycle, which translates to roughly 62 mpg U.S. -- easily besting Toyota's Prius.

The Golf BlueMotion concept uses a 1.6L TDI common-rail turbodiesel engine making 105 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm in combination with a five-speed manual gearbox with revised ratios designed to minimize engine load. The high-tech drivetrain is matched with low-rolling resistance tires and finely tuned aerodynamics to maximize efficiency and gas mileage. Fuel sipping aside, the car can still hit 62 mph in 11.3 seconds and tops out at 117 mph, all while only emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Even non-BlueMotion diesel Golfs are major gas savers. The entry-level new Golf is powered by a 2.0L TDI common-rail diesel that will make 110 hp and deliver 62 mpg in the European cycle (roughly 52 mpg U.S.) while only emitting 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The new Golf goes on sale in Europe in January, and the BlueMotion version is expected go on sale some time in mid-2009.