Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion 2011 review

Ed Ordynski drove 1000km using 3.3 litres/100km in Volkswagen Golf's latest slow-sipping diesel. More impressive is the fact the rally ace turned economy driving champion averaged 3.5 liitres/100km in an urban loop of nearly 100km around the strets of Adelaide.

A loop around similar roads showed Ordynski's claims aren't impossible - 3.9 was achieved without driving like great aunty Sue. Fanging it like a regular Golf, and it runs on the same chassis, so you can, pushed fuel use into the high sixes, which is much better then respectable given the demands put on the car on an uphill haul.

The downside is the Golf BlueMotion is only being sold here with a five-speed manual rather than the six or seven-speed DSG semi-automated transmissions which make up the vast majority of the Golf sales. That will make it hard to justify for fleet buyers or those who want bragging rights in the green car park but can't deal with a clutch.

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VW public relations manager Karl Gehling justified the move on the basis engineers identifed the the tall gear ratios fitted to the lightweight gearbox as the optimal approach in the search for fuel efficiency.

VALUE

The big question is how many people will buy a $28,990 car just for fuel efficiency bragging rights. The lack of an auto makes it a niche model, if not a marketing exercise, the Golf has a waiting list precisely because of its practicality, it's a good drive, has a good boot and a long-standing reputation for reliability. It's hard to see a manual-only model, no matter it's eco-appeal, earning a big audience.

In terms of the model range, the BlueMotion's $28,990 is $1000 cheaper than the comparably equipped 77TDI it replaces and $4000 more than the 1.4-litre petrol-powered 90TSI.

TECHNOLGY

The BlueMotion has the same 1.6 litre engine with the same output at 77kW and 250Nm as the 77TDI but its fuel use and greenhouse emissions are a generation ahead. Try an official combined rate of 3.8 litres/100km and 99g/km of CO2. against 5.1 litres/100km and 133g/km for the 77TDI.

Part of that is down to a revised engine management system with a lower idle speed and stop/start function, but a lot is due to the aerodynamic improvements, revised undertry and front and rear spoilers, side skirts and retunedsuspension that sits the car 15mm closer to the bitumen (and speed bumps) than a regular Golf. Low rolling resistance tyres running on 15-inch alloys complete the fuel savings.

DESIGN

If you don't spot the BlueMotion badges front and rear, the model is distinguished by darkened rear taillights, "Wellington" alloys, chrome strips along the grille slats and a roof spoiler from the GTI.

Inside is much easier - blue cloth inserts in the seats mark VW's flagship eco model, along with chrome trim around headlight, mirror adjustment and power window switches.

Other than that, it's a Golf: clean, uncluttered lines, easy-to-operate interior and plenty of space.

That's earned the Mk VI model a global following and the 2009 Carsguide Car of the Year award. That, along with a theoretical 1400km range from the 55 litre tank explains VW can smugly run the "no compromises" line; a subtle reference to the lack of range and/or space in some hybrid challengers for the fuel-economy crown.

SAFETY

Seven airbags help inflate the Golf's ANCAP rating to five stars and it backs that up by feeling solidly put together once you're behind the the wheel. ANCAP noted the three-point seat belt in the centre rear seat and the adjustable front seatbelts as contributing to occupant safety. Seat belt warning sensors are fitted to both front seats, so there's no excuse not to, and given the noisy chime, plenty of motivation to buckle up.

The BlueMotion shares the range's software suite, with ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, ESC and traction control.

DRIVING

You can't help but be impressed with the BlueMotion. It may be partly a marketing exercise, but VW has ensured it still runs well on the road. It's barely ticking over at 100km/h in fifth gear and the gear-change advisor lets you know which gear you should be in to maximise economy. Interestingly, it recommended fourth around town and Ordynski concurred: "The ratios have been mapped to the torque curve and in this case that's 1500-2500rpm, so fourth's about where you should be in flowing city traffic,"

That helps explain why the BlueMotion will take off uphill in second gear without any action on the accelerator. It's no rocket, the 0-100km/h time is 11.3 seconds, and you do need to shift down a couple of cogs when overtaking or climbing hills, but hold it in the sweet spot and the Golf won't be embarrassed.

The stop/start system is one of the better examples. It shuts the engine down when the car is stationary and in neutral, then re-ignites it when the clutch is depressed as the driver prepares to take off. The engine activates within the first 20mm of travel in the clutch, meaning it's on by the time the pedal is fully depressed.

regenerative brakes are quick to bite, but they're not as "grabby" as some similar systems and it takes only a few clicks to adjust.

Inside is the usual classy but spartan Golf look and room for four adults, or three small teens in the back. It'll even take a baby seat and leave enough elbow room to the front seat to get the little tacker in and out.

VERDICT

It's a Golf, so it's a good thing in terms of design, packaging and handling. It is also one of the easiest cars to get low fuel consumption in traffic, the gear-shift indicator will definitely help owners post real-world fuel use in the low fours when driving out of town. It is the number of those owners that will be the issue. The response to hyper-efficient cars so far hasn't been huge, and VW has the bigger 103kW/320Nm turbodiesel for only $5500 more. The 103TDI uses 5.6 litres/100km on the combined cycle ... and it comes with a six-speed DSG transmission.