New VW Passat BlueMotion emits just 95g/km CO2

Volkswagen has set its sights on fleet buyers with the new Passat BlueMotion. Kicking off at £23,200 for the four-door saloon and £24,750 for the estate, both variants claim 76.3mpg combined and emit just 95g/km of CO2. 

Those headline figures are made possible by a modified version of the standard entry-level 118bhp 1.6 TDI diesel engine, with 250Nm of torque and a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance is unaffected, with a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds - and the top speed of 130mph is actually slightly faster than the normal model (thanks to tweaks to aerodynamics and gearing). The estate does the same sprint in 11 seconds, and manages 129mph.

Those efficiency figures are almost class-leading, but the Passat's chief rival, the Ford Mondeo Econetic, just pips it with 78.5mpg and 94g/km of CO2. It isn't as fast, however, losing out over a second in the 0-62mph sprint.

The equipment is taken from the base 'S' model, which gets a Post-Collision Braking System, Driver Alert and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Stop-start and battery regeneration are also standard, but BlueMotion additions include a new 17-inch alloy wheel design that optimises airflow, low rolling-resistance tyres, suspension lowered by 15mm and revised front and rear bumpers.

BlueMotion badging is the only other distinguishing exterior feature, while the interior is completely identical to the standard car. It's available to order now, with first customer deliveries set for August.

Now read more about the new VW Passat Alltrack.