Eco cars rated Volkswagen Golf TDI Bluemotion Feb 2011
The Golf is one of our favourite medium-sized cars. There’s a huge range of potential engine, gearbox and body style combinations, but here we're concentrating on the 1.6 diesel Bluemotion version in five-door hatchback form. After discount from an online car broker, this costs around £16,830 (it doesn't qualify for the government grant).
Our view
Easily the best car on test here, the eco-tuned Golf offers a huge 832-mile range on a tankful of diesel. CO2 emissions aren’t much higher than the Nissan Leaf (we measured 108g/km, but the official figure is 99g/km), and it’s easy to achieve good economy. It’s quiet, safe and exempt from VED (vehicle excise duty, or car tax).
What’s it like to drive?
The Golf will please novice and expert drivers alike. It’s a comfortable drive over long distances and a start-stop system cuts the engine (and therefore saves fuel) in traffic. It’s no slowcoach either – the hi-tech turbo diesel 1.6-litre engine feels flexible and willing. The practical cabin should suit families – and the 350-litre boot is sufficient for most trips.
Read our full review of the Volkswagen Golf
See how it stacks up against the similarly sized all-electric Nissan Leaf
Good for: Company car drivers, families – just about anyone really.
Not good for: It can be pricey to buy - compared with other conventional-fuel medium hatchbacks.
Environmental credentials: Very good. We measured CO2 output at 108g/km.
Fuel cost for 50 miles: £4.38
Everyday usability: Very good. It's comfortable, practical and easy to drive. Refuelling takes a matter of seconds.
