Volkswagen's Golf BlueMotion on display

Not content with a stand full of new Golfs in standard and 'concept' GTI guises, Volkswagen has found space to show its BlueMotion Golf in France. An economy and emissions star, the BlueMotion Golf is officially titled a concept in Paris, but a production version is due mid-2009.

What's all the fuss about?

Green motoring is hugely significant these days, Volkswagen ensuring that it's got a super-green model in its line-up to appeal to those buyers who put the environment before everything else. The BlueMotion has been honed and refined to the point where its 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine is able to achieve a combined consumption figure of 74.3mpg and produce just 99g/km of CO₂. That's Polo BlueMotion levels of economy and emissions in a car an entire size category up.

What makes it so green?

Volkswagen's BlueMotion models are such a model of simplicity you have to wonder why all cars can't adopt the economy and emission improving technology. Basically the BlueMotion is a regular VW Golf that's been altered with a longer ratio gearbox, revised aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance tyres and a few simple drivetrain revisions. Together, these simple measures make the Golf BlueMotion more efficient than many of the headline-grabbing hybrids that are the darlings of the green lobby. BlueMotion doesn't quite represent the potential zenith for Golf economy either, as it does without equipment like the energy-scavenging regenerative brakes and stop-start systems that help make BMW's EfficientDynamics models such economy stars.

When can I buy one?

It might be badged as a concept here in Paris, but the new Golf BlueMotion will be on sale mid-2009. Demand is likely to be very high, particularly among fleet buyers who will be attracted by the Golf BlueMotion's tax-busting emissions bracket.

Extra images by United Pictures

Kyle Fortune