Volkswagen’s technique of using efficient diesel engines to make BlueMotion models economical and clean works well in its small Polo and Golf – but what about the considerably larger Passat saloon and estate.

With a light right foot, Andy Goodwin took to the road in the Passat BlueMotion around the lanes of West Sussex.

View more pictures of the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion

The engine in the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion is the same 1.9-litre TDi found in the Golf BlueMotion. It has been tuned to provide the optimum fuel efficiency and is fitted with a particulate filter to take nasty emissions out of its exhaust fumes.

Volkswagen claims the Passat BlueMotion saloon has a combined fuel economy of 55.3mpg, a 5.7mpg improvement over the standard 1.9TDi.

It doesn’t look like an eco warrior

The Passat BlueMotion estate sees an improvement of 6.4mpg over the standard 1.9TDi Match model, with an average of 54.5mpg.

Harmful carbon dioxide emissions drop to 136g/km and 137g/km with the saloon and estate respectively.

Standing next to the handsome Passat BlueMotion, it’s hard to tell it apart from the standard car – its modifications are far more subtle than those fitted to the body-kitted Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion.

Less of a drag

You would have to be very savvy to notice its lowered suspension which allows the car to sit closer to the ground and cut through the air more cleanly.

And you would have to get your knees dirty to see the flat panels fitted underneath the car to improve its aerodynamics and reduce the effort needed to move through the air – particularly at motorway cruising speeds.

Overall a 12 per cent reduction in drag has been achieved, which has given this green machine a higher 119mph top speed than its equivalent non BlueMotion model by 2mph. The Passat BlueMotion accelerates from 0-60mph in 12.1 seconds.

Hop into the Passat BlueMotion and you wouldn’t know it’s an eco-friendly model. Volkswagen wants its BlueMotion range to appeal to as many people as possible and has kept its design very close to the standard car.

The low-emissions Passat still has all the gadgets, including air conditioning, electric windows, twin front, side and curtain airbags and an electric handbrake which operates via a button on the dashboard.

One feature you will only find on the BlueMotion Passat is a display on its dashboard which indicates ideal gear change points for optimum economy.

A simple arrow flashes to tell you to change up and down through the gearbox.

Long-range cruiser

This is particularly useful as the gear ratios on the Passat BlueMotion are very long to allow it to cruise with a reduced effort from the engine, and the prompt will help drivers adapt to this quickly.

We were impressed with the calm ride of the Passat, benefited by its small diameter wheels and high profile tyres. It rode over surface imperfections and bumps very well.

And despite this comfy ride the car remains stable during cornering – although grip is reduced as a result of the low rolling resistance eco-tyres, fitted to the BlueMotion.

If you need lots of space and want a car with excellent economy and green credentials we can certainly recommend the Passat BlueMotion.

If you don’t need to lug such large loads we would point you towards the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, as it’s cheaper, more fun to drive and achieves even better economy with the same engine thanks to its lighter weight.