Golf Estate Bluemotion

With an all-new Golf on the horizon, time is running out for the current car. But that hasn’t stopped VW teeing up one final new version of the model.

Continuing the German firm’s eco-friendly drive, the Golf Estate is the latest addition to the efficient Bluemotion club.

The newcomer is powered by a revised version of the popular 1.9-litre TDI diesel. Longer ratios are also used in the five-speed gearbox, subtle changes have been made to the aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres have been fitted.

As a result, fuel returns are boosted to 61.4mpg, while CO2 emissions drop to 122g/km. Externally, there are few clues to the car’s eco-friendly status. Only small Bluemotion badges give the game away.

On the road, it drives like any other Golf. The diesel engine is punchy, while the standard sports suspension ensures that the car remains composed in corners.

Open the tailgate, and you’ll find a useful 505-litre load area. With the rear bench folded flat, this increases to 1,550 litres.However, it’s not all good news for the Golf Estate. At £16,355, the Bluemotion is £700 more than the identically equipped S model, which falls into the same Band B tax bracket and still manages 54.3mpg.

Sadly, the Bluemotion estate can’t match the eco-credentials of its hatchback brother, and as we found out with the Golf Plus Bluemotion, you’d be better off buying the standard car instead.