Sector: Lower-medium Fuel: 3.1l/100km CO2: 85g/km

New technology and ever-more complex petrol and diesel engines mean there’s never been a wider choice when it comes to reducing fuel expenditure for a fleet, and the ultra-efficient Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion has become a mainstay of the eco-car set.

Now in its third generation – though only the second to come to the UK – it’s yet again setting benchmarks. Fuel economy is now 3.2l/100km, with CO2 of 85g/km putting it among the hybrids and most parsimonious of superminis. It’s worth noting that, behind those headline figures, all diesel Golfs with a manual gearbox – including the GTD – are now at least as efficient as the first Golf BlueMotion.

Most markets get two trim levels – essentially the S and SE grades. However, all UK cars are based on the entry-level S trim level, which includes manual air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB radio and Volkswagen’s new touchscreen infotainment system. But, for regular long distance drivers, the lack of satellite navigation and cruise control could prove an annoying omission.

There are plentiful differences to account for the price difference between this and the equivalent 1.6 TDI S. As with previous BlueMotion models, aerodynamic upgrades include an almost completely closed radiator grille, lower suspension and a redesigned rear spoiler, and the spare wheel has made way for a tyre repair kit to save weight.

The engine uses the same stop/start system and energy recuperation as in all BlueMotion Technology cars, but here it’s uprated from 105 to 110hp, with reduced internal friction, a cooling system designed to bring it up to temperature more quickly and on-demand oil and water pumps to reduce load. Finally, a longer gearing allows the car to rumble along at lower revs and outside its peak torque while on the motorway.

Despite the changes, it feels pretty much the same as a regular 1.6 TDI Golf. The small wheels counteract the ride quality sacrifice of lower than standard suspension, and there’s no loss of refinement compared to the standard car. It’s a quiet engine, even from cold, and there’s very little road or wind noise at motorway speeds.

The gearbox takes some adjustment though. Bringing the engine to life for overtaking usually requires an extra downshift, and avoiding doing so lifts economy easily with a steady right foot. However, achieving economy anywhere near the claimed figure seems very ambitious in real-world conditions.

So, as with all eco cars, the Golf needs to be applied correctly to make sense. It’s a workhorse for long-distance drivers with high annual mileage, but those seeking a low-cost route into a Volkswagen Golf need to weigh up its advantages against other models in the range.   

Verdict:

The Golf BlueMotion’s advantages stack up higher as annual mileage increases, where even menial improvements in economy count for a lot. It’s worth considering the whole picture before ticking the box, though, particularly when factoring essential long-distance options such as cruise control and satellite navigation into the picture.