Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion - The Most Efficient Golf To Date

Last month, the 30 millionth Volkswagen Golf rolled off the production line. Fittingly, the model in question was one of the latest BlueMotion hatchbacks – the most fuel-efficient Golf the VW has ever built.

The brand claims you’ll average 88.3mpg and 85g/km of CO₂ emissions out of a BlueMotion. That beats both the Ford Focus ECOnetic’s 83,1mpg and 88g/km, and the 74.3mpg and 87g/km Toyota Auris Hybrid. For 40 per cent tax bracket business users, the three-door BlueMotion will cost $132 per month, while lower-rate tax payers will pay half that. This latest version is 15 per cent more efficient than the previous BlueMotion model, too.

The BlueMotion has the same interior as any other Golf, with a great driving position and a soled dash. There’s even decent rear space, although access is tricky in the three-door.

The grille is blanked out and the front bumper tweaked in the name of slicker aerodynamics, while the new model rides 15mm lower than the regular Golf. There’s also a GTI-style blue stripe across the grille. Its tailgate features a neatly designed wing, which extends down each side of the rear window, and alone cuts drag by 10 per cent.

All Golf BlueMotions are powered by a 109bhp version of VW’s new 1.6-litre diesel engine. It has 5bhp more than in regular Golfs, but reduced engine friction, an electric water pump and improved heat management all combine to improve efficiency.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion side

Yet what that actually translates to is an engine that’s a little on the noisy side, particularly on start-up, and above 2,500rpm. But although vocal, the diesel remains smooth across the rev range, and its stop-start system works well.

The engine is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox with very long ratios that ensure you keep the revs and noise down and efficiency up. It still responds well, though, thanks to 250Nm of torque, and the gearshift has a slick feel, although it doesn’t like to be rushed between gears.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion back

The standard Golf is so quiet and refined that the BlueMotion’s engine noise does stand out. There’s extra road noise to contend with, too, as the car is fitted with firmer compound low-rolling-resistance tires. However, the ride remains comfortable and supple, and the extra tire pressure gives the steering an added keenness.

The handling and efficiency also benefit from the 26kg chopped from the running gear and 37kg from the body, compared with its predecessor.

All Golf BlueMotions are powered by a 109bhp version of VW’s new 1.6-litre diesel engine

Not that you’d know from sitting in the car. The BlueMotion has the same interior as any other Golf, with a great driving position and a soled dash. There’s even decent rear space, although access is tricky in the three-door.

Verdict

What really impresses about the cleanest Golf yet is how the BlueMotion feels little different from the rest of the Golf range, both in the way it looks and drives. Yet if you drive roughly 10,000 miles a year, you’ll only fill the tank around 10 times in 12 months.