Soon you will be able to buy a next generation Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion capable of covering an astonishing average of 74mpg.

And its carbon dioxide emissions of 99g/km means it falls into tax band A – which is free.

Power comes from a new 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine which develops 102bhp and 184lb/ft of pulling power at a low down 2,000rpm.

View more pictures of the next generation Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion

It betters the 1.9-litre diesel engine in the current Golf BlueMotion by more than 11mpg and reduces emissions by 20g/km.

And Volkswagen claims it can still accelerate from 0-62mph in a reasonable 11.3 seconds despite its focus on green credentials, and reach a top speed of 117mph.

As with the current Golf BlueMotion, Passat BlueMotion and Polo BlueMotion the latest model employs low-rolling-resistance tyres to help cut its fuel bills.

View more pictures of the original Golf BlueMotion

All BlueMotion models are fitted with a diesel particulate filter to bring emissions down.

Aerodynamics are improved too, with flat under-body panels and a low-drag body kit smoothing the airflow around the car.

A revised gearbox has longer gear ratios, which allow the engine to work less at higher speeds.

The 2009 Volkswagen Golf has its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and the first models will go on sale in the UK in January.

It is the sixth generation of the iconic hatchback and takes a new style direction inspired by the brand new Volkswagen Scirocco.

The Golf BlueMotion will be competing directly with the Ford Focus ECOnetic, BMW 118d, Seat Leon Ecomotive, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Peugeot 308Hdi.