Volkswagen BlueMotion

According to bosses at VW, BlueMotion is moving the car industry towards a cleaner, greener future. The badge identifies the most efficient and least polluting vehicles in the German firm’s range – and it brings a raft of technology to achieve this.

Included in the long list of green features are a stop-start system, intelligent alternators for brake energy regeneration, low-rolling-resistance tyres and a gearshift indicator. Some models also benefit from modified gear ratios for greater economy and less rev-hungry cruising.

In addition, designers have carried out aerodynamic tweaks to reduce drag – and so boost efficiency. To this end, BlueMotion models feature smaller panel gaps, faired-in radiator grilles and underbody panels.

A highlight of the range is the new Polo BlueMotion (above, centre), which is due to appear in showrooms early next year. Powered by a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder TDI diesel, it pushes out only 87g/km and manages an amazing 85.6mpg.

On sale at the same time is the all-new Golf BlueMotion.

It features stop-start and energy recuperation technology, and this helps its advanced 1.6-litre common-rail diesel powerplant return 74.3mpg economy on the combined cycle. Better still, CO2 emissions of 99g/km mean buyers won’t have to pay a penny in road tax.

If you need more space, the Passat BlueMotion is worth a look – especially as it’s available as a saloon and an estate. Both claim 64.2mpg and 114g/km, which is nearly a match for the smaller Golf. Prices start at £19,000 for the four-door, with the estate at £19,855.

Even the huge Touareg SUV benefits from BlueMotion tweaks. Its 222bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI emits 219g/km and returns 34.0mpg – compared to the standard car’s 244g/km and 30.4mpg.

BEST ECO BUY: Golf Bluemotion