Keen to capitalise on the current call for more 'green' cars that save the buyer money, VW has announced details of its new Golf BlueMotion, based on the all-new model debuting in Paris next month.

The headline figures include 99g/km of carbon dioxide and 74.3mpg on the combined economy cycle, which are identical to that achieved by the smaller Polo BlueMotion, yet the Golf is quicker, with 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 117mph.

This has been achieved by the usual BlueMotion raft of changes, including slipperier aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and longer gearing, though the 1.6-litre TDI engine plays a vital role. It produces 104bhp and a useful 184lb.ft of torque at just 2,000rpm, negating the need to rev the engine.

The regular Golf is available with a 2.0-litre TDI unit that is capable of 62mpg and 119g/km without any of the BlueMotion add-ons. Those figures are comparable to the previous BlueMotion model's.

We get our first taste of the sixth-generation VW Golf this week in Iceland ahead of its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show. UK sales start in January 2009, with the BlueMotion model arriving later in the year.

Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Sep 2008