Volvo V50 DRIVe SE vs VW Passat Bluemotion

If you believe taking the green option means you’re restricted to tiny city models, think again. This pair of practical new estates comes with economical diesel engines that deliver low emissions and running costs.

The Volvo V50 DRIVe is part of the Swedish firm’s latest eco assault and features a range of tweaks, from optimised gearing and electronics to low-drag styling. The separate Start/Stop model adds engine killing technology and regenerative brakes to the eco-friendly mix.

This results in hybrid-rivalling CO2 emissions of only 104g/km, plus claimed fuel economy of 72.4mpg. The Volvo faces a tough opponent in the battle for green honours, though, in the shape of the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion 2.

The German firm’s green brand is one of the most widely recognised on the market, but the second generation of the low emissions Passat sees the introduction of stop-start technology for the first time.

The VW is larger and has a bigger engine and a smaller price tag, but it can’t match the emissions and economy of its rival. We put the pair head-to-head to find out if VW’s brawn is enough to outwit the clever Volvo.

Let the economy drive commence...