Volkswagen recently announced plans to commence selling its Polo BlueMotion in the UK this summer. In another environmentally-friendly push, the company will unveil a Passat BlueMotion at the upcoming Geneva motor show. These latest BlueMotion offerings promise to radically boost fuel efficiency and further reduce CO₂ emissions.

Meaning the colour of air and water (elements to be protected) and the aspect of forward-looking mobility, 'BlueMotion' is now the seal of quality for Volkswagen model derivatives with the lowest rate of fuel consumption.

The BlueMotion-equipped Passat employs a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, fine-tuned to produce 105bhp and 184lb.ft of torque. It enables the car to achieve a claimed top speed of 120mph in saloon form and 118mph in the estate variant. These aren't particularly remarkable figures, but that's just the start of it. Volkswagen claims the Passat BlueMotion saloon will return a significant 55.4mpg (5.1 litres per 100km) on the Combined Cycle, consuming far less fuel than any other similarly-sized vehicle. In the estate derivative the figure is slightly lower at 54.3mpg, but no less impressive.

Claimed to have a driving range of up to 838 miles with a full tank of fuel, Volkswagen estimates a prospective Passat BlueMotion owner would only have to refuel 11 times a year at an annual driving distance of 9,315 miles.

Environmental benefits don't stop there. The car's CO₂ emissions are also extremely low, with both the saloon and estate variations producing just 137g/km of the global-warming gas. This is achieved through the BlueMotion's high-efficiency. A diesel particulate filter and a catalyst system also reduce emissions of nitrous oxides.

The Passat is the second model to feature the company's BlueMotion clean diesel technology. Last summer, the German automaker began selling the Polo BlueMotion in its home market, and production figures for the car have since increased threefold to meet demand throughout Europe.

The VW Polo BlueMotion features an extremely frugal 79bhp 1.4-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant claimed to return 72mpg and emit only 102g/km of CO₂. The transmission also features taller gear ratios to keep fuel consumption in check at higher speeds. Considering its relatively low power the car is still an adequate performer, said to reach 109mph and complete the 0-62mph stint in 12.8 seconds.

These figures are largely accomplished through various aerodynamic improvements to the grille and front spoiler, which have been revised to lower wind resistance. The side mirrors are also smaller to decrease drag, and narrow 165-section tyres mounted on lightweight 14-inch alloy wheels have been specially constructed to decrease rolling resistance. This combination of subtle alterations and superior engine efficiency facilitate very economical motoring.

Pricing for the Polo BlueMotion has yet to be announced, and VW has not disclosed the expected UK launch date for the Passat BlueMotion. We assume Volkswagen will continue to feature the clean diesel technology across its product range in the future. Stay tuned.

Eric Gallina - 26 Feb 2007