VW’s eco-friendly BlueMotion diesel range has been a big success, offering subtle enhancements and technologies to further eke out efficiency.
Now the company has introduced the first petrol model in the line-up – the £20,495 Golf BlueMotion 1.0 TSI.
A 113bhp 999cc triple-cylinder turbo taken from the Up! city car doesn’t sound particularly exhilarating, although that isn’t the point of this particular model. We take it for a spin to see if it still offers something for the enthusiastic driver.
BlueMotion vehicles differ from their more conventional stablemates thanks to the addition of lowered suspension, underbody trays and a diminutive spoiler. Innovative active air shutters close when the engine bay doesn’t need cooling, there’s stop-start tech, and the lightweight aluminium powerplant helps reduce the car’s overall weight and make the most of those slippery body enhancements.
It doesn’t sound like much fun, which is why climbing behind the wheel is a pleasant surprise. The 148lb ft of torque kicks in as low as 2000rpm, and the tractable engine and six-speed gearbox combination is smooth, refined and easy to either work hard or let the revs take the strain. In many ways it’s more satisfying to use than the bigger diesel in the 1.6 Golf BlueMotion, and its three-cylinder thrum is appealing, too.
Handling is neat and stable, even if rough surfaces upset the balance a little, while the steering is precise although somewhat uninvolving.
The TSI BlueMotion is comfortable to drive, but high-mileage drivers will be better off with the diesel, which costs around £1,500 extra but is even more economical. For everyone else, this diminutive three-cylinder – with its 65.7mpg and sub-100g/km co2 emissions – could well fit the bill.
Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion 1.0 TSI
On sale: Now
Price: £20,495
Engine: 3cyl inline, 999cc, turbocharged, petrol
Power: 113bhp at 5000-5500rpm
Torque: 148lb ft at 2000-3500rpm
Kerbweight: 1286kg
Gearbox: 6-spd manual
0-62mph: 10.5s
Top speed: 121mph
Economy: 65.7mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band: 99g/km, 14%
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