Sheer pleasure

VW’s Passat BlueMotion Saloon is good for your fleet and better for the environment, and a very enjoyable experience

Passat BlueMotion
ENGINE 2.0-litre TDI CR110 PS 5spd manual
TOP SPEED 123 mph
MPG (combined) 57.6
CO2 g/km 128

Blue is the new green, at least according to VolksWagen. Its BlueMotion range consists of Polo, Golf, Passat, Jetta and Touran – and whichever model you choose, the result is the same. Your fleet saves on fuel and tax costs, and you’ll help protect the planet at the same time.
    
These eco-friendly cars use less fuel and produce less CO2. Dynamic lines reduce the vehicle’s air resistance and, combined with engineering refinements, low rolling resistance tyres and lowered suspension help produce increased economy.

Driver experience
It is a pleasure to drive the Passat Saloon. Fast, smooth and with Start/Stop technology to minimise fuel waste, reducing CO2 emissions and boosting fuel economy.
    
This technology means that the Passat virtually stops itself. It works through the clutch, so when you come to a standstill at traffic lights, for example, you just select neutral gear. Release the clutch and the engine switches off, with a Stop/Start symbol appearing on the dashboard. When it’s time to move off again you simply dip the clutch, which starts the engine, and you can select first gear and pull away.
    
The combined effect of Stop/Start with the new 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine improves efficiency and cuts emissions. An extra benefit is that power output is increased by around five per cent, from 105 PS to 110 PS.
    
The BlueMotion’s fuel consumption is 6.2mpg better than that of the standard 2.0 TDI 110 PS. That’s an improvement of up to eight per cent and means it can travel up to 95 miles further on a full tank of fuel.
    
Helping to achieve this are Michelin’s Energy Saver tyres, standard on all BlueMotion models. The technology deployed in the this clever tyre is said to improve rolling resistance by nearly 20 per cent thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to propel the vehicle. And driving the Passat you can feel it; I’m rolling along roads, with no need to keep the accelerator down, in a different way than with other tyres.
    
Another feature helping achieve optimum fuel consumption is the multifunction computer that includes visual gear change recommendations.

Clever feature
The Passat is a great-looking car; its sleek and stylish design gives it an executive feel.The Press and Drive key looks like no other car key I’ve ever seen. To start the car, you simply push the sender (which also operates the central locking) into a slot near the steering wheel turning required, a push will do.
    
The parking brake is a small button located on the dashboard. Might take some getting used to but it has an auto hold function, which holds the vehicle when you come to a stop on a hill and then releases as you pull away.
    
The RCD 510 touch-screen radio system is brilliant as the large buttons make for easy adjustments, which minimises the length of time you take your eyes off the road. The built-in navigation system can compete with any sat-nav system available when it comes to features and guidance.
    
Seats are comfortable and easily adjustable, increasing driver satisfaction. More legroom throughout the vehicle will assure the comfort of your passengers as well.
    
The boot has more room than ever before. With the rear seats in an upright position luggage capacity comes in at 485 litres ensuring luggage gets to travel as comfortable as passengers.
    
I thoroughly enjoyed driving the Passat and I can’t see why you wouldn’t either.