VW Golf Bluemotion

The Leaf represents the latest technology the world has to offer, but VW’s Golf BlueMotion takes a very different tack. It makes the best use of existing diesel engineering to cut emissions and boost economy. 

This difference in outlook is obvious, as the Golf is as familiar and conservative as the Nissan is novel and futuristic. That is either a positive or a negative, depending on your view, but there’s no denying the appeal of the BlueMotion’s badge. 

The hatch doesn’t shout about its green credentials, either, but aerodynamically optimised bumpers, unique alloy wheels and a gloss black grille identify it as the most environmentally friendly 

model in the range. 

Lowered suspension helps to cut drag and give the VW a sporty stance. However, it’s the interior that really impresses. 

The solidly crafted dash is perfectly laid out, and while the Golf has none of the digitised eco displays found in its rivals, its straightforward simplicity holds plenty of appeal. Fit and finish are faultless and material quality is a step ahead of those found in both the Toyota and Nissan. 

The driving position is excellent, with a wide range of wheel and seat adjustment, and the Golf scores when it comes to practicality. There’s no need to package electric motors and batteries, so the 350-litre boot is the biggest here, and the rear seats offer plenty of legroom. 

You don’t get a flat rear floor as you do in the Auris, but it’s hard to fault the Golf’s cabin – and the driving experience is equally accomplished.

Traditionalists will like the manual five-speed gearbox, and its smooth shifts add a layer of enjoyment that is missing from the VW’s auto rivals. Long ratios improve economy, yet the 1.6-litre engine still delivers smooth and punchy in-gear responses. 

Buyers who want a self-shifter will have to fork out for the Golf Match BlueMotion Technology version, which is available with the firm’s seven-speed DSG transmission as an option. However, it carries a £2,215 premium and hikes CO2 emissions above the magic 100g/km mark. 

Still, the manual Golf is relaxingly simple to drive and its stop-start system works smoothly, with little judder on ignition. And while the German hatch seems basic from behind the wheel compared to its gadget-laden rivals, its armoury of green technology includes a gearshift indicator, plus revised engine management, regenerative braking and low-resistance tyres. None of this compromises it from the driver’s seat, and there’s noticeably more front-end grip than in either rival, while body control is also tighter. The Golf’s handling is composed and surefooted, and all the major controls are well weighted, while the brakes have a more natural feel than the Toyota’s. 

All of which means the BlueMotion is more at one with the tarmac. Even though the lower suspension set-up gives the ride a firm edge, this isn’t enough to ruin what is an impressively rounded car that demands few compromises to achieve its frugal economy and low emissions.