2010 74.3mpg VW Golf BlueMotion UK review and pictures

74.3mpg VW Golf BlueMotion UK review:

VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES THE GREENEST GOLF YET: 74.3 MPG AND 99 G/KM

Most fuel-efficient and least CO2-emitting production Golf launched

•Combined economy of 74.3 mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 99 g/km
•Golf BlueMotion costs £17,325 RRP OTR; exempt from annual VED
•Unique styling and economy package; completes the Golf line-up

In July, Volkswagen announced a new, highly-efficient Golf model which returns 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 107 g/km of carbon dioxide. Now a new model is available to order - the most efficient production Golf ever - which achieves 74.3 mpg combined and emit a class-leading 99 g/km.

The new Golf BlueMotion uses as its basis the standard Golf`s 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine with 105 PS and maximum torque of 184 lbs ft (250 Nm) developed at 1,500 rpm. This engine endows the new model with a zero to 62 mph time of 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph.

Standard specification is based on that of the standard Golf S model, but the BlueMotion has a number of additional features which enhance economy and reduce emissions. These include a Start/Stop system, regenerative braking, hill hold, longer gear ratios, low rolling resistance tyres, a multifunction computer showing recommended gear changes for maximum economy and sports suspension.

In addition the new car is fitted with a sports styling kit to improve aerodynamics and boost efficiency as well as to distinguish this car from others in the range. This kit comprises sports bumpers, side skirts and an enlarged rear roof spoiler as well as 15-inch ‘Wellington` alloy wheels, cherry red rear lights, chrome grille louvres and BlueMotion badges at the front and rear of the vehicle. To reduce weight further and therefore aid efficiency, the new Golf BlueMotion comes with a tyre repair kit rather than a spare wheel. Other equipment highlights include - as on all Golfs - ABS with ESP, seven airbags, Climatic semi-automatic climate control and an RCD 210 radio / MP3 compatible CD player. The Golf BlueMotion is also, of course, conventional to drive, service, maintain and repair.

The new Golf BlueMotion costs £17,325 (RRP OTR) with a £585 premium for the five-door model. While this is £785 more than the standard S 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS Golf, Volkswagen is confident a customer will recoup this money due to the Golf BlueMotion being exempt from annual road tax and reduced fuel costs. A driver covering 10,000 miles per year will save over £120 per year in fuel savings alone.

In a break from Volkswagen`s existing naming policy of economy models, the 99 g/km Golf will be the only model in the range to be called simply Golf BlueMotion. The 107 g/km Golf models will now be denoted as BlueMotion Technology models. The Golf SE BlueMotion Technology competed just last week in the annual ALD Automotive/Total ECO 10 MPG Marathon, achieving 72.49 mpg over the 360-mile two-day course. This is five per cent above its official combined figure of 68.9 mpg