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Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion

Eco special Passat promises nearly 70mpg and is pick of the range

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion front tracking

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: PeteGibson/Matt Vosper

October 2011

The previous Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion holds the world record for the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel – having covered 1,527 miles – but now a new, even more efficient version has arrived. We took to the road to see how it shapes up.

The new model comes with an aerodynamic bodykit, a bootlid spoiler, lowered ride height and a blocked off front grille. The blue paint and 17-inch alloys are unique to the BlueMotion range, too. It works well, and we think the changes make the car more stylish than a standard Passat.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the VW Passat

 

VW claims fuel economy of 68.9mpg – an improvement of nearly 5mpg over the old model – and CO2 emissions are down to 109g/km, which means road tax is free for a year and only £20 from there on in.

The impressive running costs are down to the BlueMotion’s improved aerodynamics, plus low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start and brake energy recuperation. The systems work unnoticed, but the stop-start occasionally failed to operate when we had the air-conditioning on full blast.

Performance isn’t exactly blistering, with the 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI engine getting the BlueMotion from 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds. On the plus side, the engine is whisper-quiet for the most part, with noise only becoming unpleasant under heavy acceleration.

Much of the Passat’s appeal comes from its fantastic long-distance cruising ability, and the BlueMotion is no different. VW has done a great job of isolating the driver from rough roads, while bigger bumps are ironed out without fuss. But it’s this isolation that also detracts from the package somewhat. There’s very little involvement and the steering is short on feel. Anyone looking for fun would be better off with Ford’s Mondeo ECOnetic.

Thankfully, the cabin is a nice place in which to spend time. The dash is trimmed in a soft-touch material, and brushed aluminium inserts add a touch of class. The heater controls do feel slightly flimsy, though – unlike the switches found on Passat models which have optional automatic climate control.

Normally, eco specials carry a hefty premium over the standard car, but the BlueMotion is £20,285, which is just £260 more than a Passat S with the same engine. Buyers wanting the semi-auto DSG gearbox will have to look elsewhere in the range, though, as the BlueMotion only comes with a six-speed manual. 

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Passat visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

dull looks

if only for its looks which remind cars of a decade ago.
What were they thinking of??
They should have better stuck to the previous model style rather than this.

By kirra1 on 13 October, 2011, 10:03am

Why?

It never fails to amaze me why car magazines trumpet a car like this! It is over £20,000 and is slow and has to have opyions fitted to even bring accessory levels up to that of the 3 Series!

Talking of which, the 320D does 0 to 62 in about 7.8 seconds and acheives around 68 mpg on the same government tests. The newer ED models are slightly better!

And just a small point! Well question really... Why would a car manufacturer put a sign on the centre console saying "Passenger Airbag"? Does it mean that the airbag in in the centre? No, they are trying to make this boring car more interesting!

Watch residuals for this car. In three years that £20,000 will become about £6,000 as more people realise that the dumbing down of cars is plainly not necessary!

By Rumour on 13 October, 2011, 10:25am

Passenger airbag

'Rumour' has it that the sign on the centre console illuminates as a notification when the passengers airbag is switched off with the key switch in the glove compartment for when using rearward facing child seats. It's not just "to make this boring car more interesting!" The exterior styling is dull compared to the previous version though.

By jwavdigital on 13 October, 2011, 10:46pm

Why?

Rumour should realise that not everyone is a chav and wants to drive a "Beemer" nor does everone want to be a boy racer, currently running a 08 plate bluemotion estate I can testify to the accuracy of the fuel economy figures given, can the BMW drivers? I also like the space inside the Passat which is notably missing in the three series as for residuals, I think that the Blumotion holds up well, for me this is unfortunate as the 2-3 year old market is where I shop to get best value for money for motoring.

By Tigger on 18 October, 2011, 8:26am

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Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion front tracking
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion rear tracking
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion dash
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion badge
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion panning
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion detail
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion rear seats
Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion boot

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FIRST OPINION

    The Passat BlueMotion is the pick of the range. It looks the part, comes with all the equipment you need and boasts the same comfortable ride and excellent refinement that characterise the rest of the Passat range. It may not have the acceleration of the more powerful 2.0-litre TDI engines, but 250Nm of torque means that you will never struggle to keep up with other traffic. Best of all, it’s also one of the cheapest Passats in the line-up.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £20,865
    Engine: 1.6-itre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power: 104bhp
    Torque: 250Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
    Top speed: 118mph
    Economy: 68.8mpg
    CO2: 109g/km
    Equipment: Cruise control, climate control, sat-nav, alloy wheels 
    On sale: Now
     
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