Eco Golf brings economy to the fore

With lowest-ever emissions thanks to fuel-saving and environmental technologies, Volkswagen’s Golf BlueMotion has been reborn. Richard Gooding takes a closer look

The latest Golf BlueMotion is the third generation of VW’s eco hatchback, the first having arrived in 2007 based on the Mk 5 Golf.

With a headline CO2 emission figure of 119g/km, that car was considered by many to be one of the greenest cars on sale. When the Mk 6 Golf BlueMotion came along in 2009, emissions dropped further to 99g/km. The new Golf BlueMotion boasts only 85g/km of CO2, 4g/km less than the hybrid Toyota Prius.

Volkswagen claims that the new car is at least 15 per cent more efficient than the old one. The headline figures are now these: 88.3mpg on the combined cycle and a theoretical driving range of 932 miles (1,500km).

AERODYNAMICALLY-OPTIMISED
The latest Golf BlueMotion looks less like an eco-special than any previous version. Based on the UK ‘S’ model Golf, a rear C-pillar and window lip spoiler mark out the BlueMotion from behind. At the front, a faired-in front grille signify BlueMotion models. Even the 6J x 15 ‘Lyon’ alloy wheels with 195/65 R15 tyres are free of visual fripperies. It’s a similar discreet story inside, too. No matter – this car is all about economy.

SMALL CHANGES, BIG DIFFERENCE
Advancements in engine technology make even the non‑BlueMotion Golf TDI produce high fuel return values that the average driver could only dream of a years ago. The Golf SE 1.6 TDI we tested in the spring (GreenFleet 63: http://issuu.com/psi-media/ docs/gf63) was frugal, returning 53.7mpg in real‑world conditions. But during its week with me, the BlueMotion bettered that by a useful 10mpg. That proves that the BlueMotion’s small changes make a big difference. Consuming fuel at that rate would see a real‑world tank of fuel last over 600 miles – well over 100 miles more range than the Golf SE 1.6 TDI.

On selected Golf models, there are driver profile selections to allow drivers to match the settings of the car to their driving style. One of these is ‘Eco’, which makes the engine management, air-conditioning and ancillary systems more efficient. In the BlueMotion there are no such programmes – the car is automatically set-up to be as ‘eco’ as it can be. On more than one occasion I saw over 70mpg, with a high of 74.1. As with all economically-minded cars, the driver has a big part to play, too. The highest values over my 461 miles with KX63 PVN were achieved driving steadily. The Stop/Start system was also used whenever possible, along with the visual gear change recommendation display. There are myriad read‑outs in the BlueMotion, as well as an energy consumption indicator, which monitors the air-conditioning, aiding potential damage to high fuel economy values.

Despite being primarily an ‘economy’ car, the Golf BlueMotion offers the superb blend of refinement and comfort of other Golfs. The interior is very comfortable and at cruising speeds there is very little noise at all, just a whispering as air passes over the car. Even when accelerating, the new 108bhp turbodiesel engine develops its 184lb ft / 250Nm of torque in a more than commendably quiet fashion from as little as 1,500rpm.

SUPERBLY ECONOMICAL
In summary, the latest Golf BlueMotion doesn’t feel like an economy car. It’s comfortable, incredibly refined and most importantly, superbly economical. It’s the lowest-emitting car Volkswagen UK sells but it’s no hair-shirt special. It’s worth being mindful of the price, though. The 1.6 TDI S model on which the BlueMotion is based costs £1,215 less and has a lower P11D value, but the BlueMotion will make more sense to company car drivers thanks to those very low emissions. It’s also in the lowest tax band available for diesel cars. The Golf family has long had some particularly strong members and in 2013, the BlueMotion is one of them.

VW Golf BlueMotion
ENGINE: 1598cc, 4-cyl turbodiesel
CO2: 85g/km
MPG (combined): 88.3
VED: Band A
BIK: 13%
PRICE (OTR): £20,990 (including VAT, £21,700 as tested)