Sector: Lower medium Price: €22,175-€24,750 Fuel: 3.2l/100km CO2: 85g/km

In theory, the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion is capable of 970 miles (1,561km) between fill-ups. A bold claim, but the figures are hard to ignore. At 3.2l/100km this is the most frugal non-hybrid car to date and, for the average driver covering an annual distance of 16,000km, they will only need to fill it up 10 times a year. It also happens to be the cleanest too; emitting just 85g/km of CO2.

At the heart of all this efficiency is a 1.6-litre TDI. Based on the standard 1.6 diesel, fuel consumption has been boosted through reduced internal friction, an innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase, exhaust gas recirculation, and a twin-stage oil pump plus an electric water pump.

Modifications to the engine have been matched with a comprehensive package of weight-saving and aerodynamic improvements elsewhere. The running gear weighs a full 26kg less than other 1.6 TDIs, while the body has lost 37kg. With a combination of a 15mm lower ride height, low rolling resistance tyres, roof spoiler, masked-off front grille, partially closing air inlets and under-floor panels it's also 10% more aerodynamic. The end result is a car that is 15% more efficient than its predecessor, yet doesn't appear all that different from the car it's based on.

The interior doesn’t surrender any of its green credentials either. Based on the Trendline and Comfortline trims, both still feel very Golf-like, with an abundance of quality, soft-touch materials used in the cabin. The driving position remains unsurpassed while all passengers are afforded a generous amount of leg, shoulder, and headroom. Boot space stays the same as in the non-BlueMotion Golf; 380-litres or 1,270-litres when the back seats are folded down. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and 15-inch alloys.

There’s little to suggest in the way it drives that this is anything other than a Golf. It certainly hasn’t curtailed to its eco leanings, or been bothered by the lowered suspension, and delivers an unflustered ride, capable of absorbing, and floating over, the worst type of tarmac defects. Granted, the diesel engine isn’t the quietest, or the smoothest, when started from cold, but any noise or vibrations soon disappear once it’s on the move. Acceleration is good, reaching 100km/h in a brisk 10.5 seconds.

As we all know, the performance figures issued by car makers have mostly been extracted under meticulously controlled conditions. These then should be used merely as guide, as they tend to differ greatly to what happens when the same car is driven in the real world. With that said, after driving the BlueMotion around town, and without even trying too hard, the onboard computer had calculated my average fuel consumption at 3.4l/100km, although this dropped to 5.1l/100km on the motorway. There’s plenty of length in the gearing, especially in sixth gear, allowing it to happily potter about at 1,100rpm.

Verdict:

Volkswagen has achieved new levels of efficiency and frugality without compromising any of the Golf’s integrity. Without doubt, it is truly a remarkable car.