Congestion charge-bashing Volkswagen Golf

The cleaner engine in the Golf improves fuel economy to an average 62.8mpg and cuts carbon emissions to 119g/km

The super-efficient Volkswagen BlueMotion range has been extended to a host of new models.

A new 1.9-litre diesel producing 103bhp which will replace the current 1.9 engine used in the Golf BlueMotion on top of the 1.4-litre diesel used in the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion.

The cleaner engine in the Golf improves fuel economy to an average 62.8mpg and cuts carbon emissions to 119g/km – making it exempt from the London congestion charge when the rules change on October 27.

Other models getting the Volkswagen BlueMotion treatment include the Golf Plus, Golf Estate, Jetta, Passat and Passat Estate.

While these models won’t be exempt from the congestion charge they will all sit in tax band C (£115 per year) and average between 54.3 and 61.4mpg.

The Volkswagen Golf hatchback is available in three-door or five-door guise in S trim and five-door only for the Match trim.

All Golf hatchback models feature climate control, anti-lock brakes, traction control and six airbags while the Match trim adds alloy wheels, sports suspension and cruise control.

BlueMotion technology uses a diesel particulate filter in the exhaust system which removes toxins from the gases and improves efficiency.

In addition, the cars run on harder tyres which use less energy, while slight bodywork adjustments are made to improve the car’s aerodynamics.

Volkswagen shares its BlueMotion machinery with sister company Seat, whose Ibiza and Leon Ecomotives are based on the Polo and Golf’s existing technology.

All Volkswagen BlueMotion models are available to order now with prices starting from £15,565 for the entry-level Golf, rising to £18,395 for the Passat Estate.