VW launches zero tax Golf

Back in July VW heralded the arrival of the Golf BlueMotion SE models, boasting impressive figures of 68.9mpg and 107g/km of CO₂ on the combined cycle. However, the Germans have gone one better by announcing a new version that ducks under the 100g/km vehicle excise duty (VED) exemption barrier.

The new model will simply be called the BlueMotion Golf and will be based on the entry-level S variant, while the 107g/km cars will be rebadged with 'BlueMotion Technology'.

This re-jigging of the line-up reflects the addition of several fuel-saving measures to the new BlueMotion model, including an engine start-stop system and regenerative braking. Longer gear ratios, low rolling resistance tyres, lowered suspension and a gearshift indicator on the dashboard are retained.

The result, along with 99g/km of CO₂, is a combined cycle economy figure of 74.3mpg. Although the BlueMotion model will cost £785 more than the similarly equipped S version, VW reckons that high mileage drivers will save money due to the fuel economy improvement, while all buyers benefit from zero VED.

Differentiating the BlueMotion Golf from other models is an aerodynamic package including new bumpers and side skirts, a roof spoiler, 15-inch alloys, cherry red rear lights and chromed front grille louvres.

Buyers can order the new BlueMotion Golf now at £17,325 on-the-road - or £585 more for the five-door model.

Shane O' Donoghue