Overall rating:

Spacious, good to drive, great value for money and incredibly efficient and economical - there really is plenty to like about the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion. Only the estate model could have bettered our experience with the car.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion
Pricing: £20,300 (£24,405 as tested)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, Peugeot 508
CO₂ emissions: 109g/km
Combined economy: 68.9mpg
Top speed: 123mph
0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
Power: 105hp at 4,400rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 1,500rpm

Inside & Out:

Slightly lower and with a bespoke grille there's little to distinguish this Passat from any other. In fact, it looks very much like the basic spec model, and to a degree that is correct.

Certainly the cloth seats and the rather spartan cabin do nothing to dispel that impression. At least what kit there actually is all works with typical precision, and of course it's as well-built as any other Volkswagen. It's even got a decently sized boot, but for the ultimate in all-round practicality we'd choose an estate.

Ride & Handling:

Despite boasting lowered suspension this car is set up to be a comfortable cruiser first and foremost. And so on most roads the 16-inch alloy wheels and deep tyre sidewalls ensure that the ride remains perfectly compliant.

It'll even hold its own around the bends, holding on gamely despite considerable body roll. The light steering will be familiar to many VW drivers and it matches well with the easy-going gearshift.

However, the brakes can feel a little over-assisted at times, causing some abrupt stopping if you're not used to them. But overall the Passat BlueMotion is incredibly easy and relaxing to drive in almost every situation.

Engine & Transmission:

This is the heart of this whole car - an engine and gearbox combination that ekes out every last mile per gallon it can. It's not especially refined, but it always feels more potent than its 105hp and 250Nm figures would suggest - even with the extra long gearing.

In the end you soon forget about any deficit in power this 1.6-litre diesel has and take your satisfaction from the average economy and theoretical range. A smooth stop-start system cuts in and out quickly, and though the gearing is long simply selecting a gear lower than you might initially expect restores any lost momentum.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Standard specification is pretty good for the price, and includes air conditioning, electric windows, hill-hold, iPod integration and Bluetooth connectivity. But where the real budget has been spent is on the technology to enhance this car's efficiency, which includes brake energy recuperation, low rolling resistance tyres, stop-start and aerodynamic changes.

The result is a car that can achieve 68.9mpg and 109g/km, which means annual road tax is only £20. And in our time with the car, that economy figure seems anything but far-fetched.