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Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion (2011)
by Barry Green,reviewed December 2011
IF YOU LIKE choice, then Volkswagen’s Golf Bluemotion might not be for you.
There are no factory options and it is available as a five-door only with manual gearbox only.
That said, Bluemotion is far from one dimensional. Here’s where and why...
Automatic stop-start function, aerodynamic improvements, revised gear ratios (it’s a five-speed manual), low rolling resistance tyres on 15” alloys and a regenerative system that recovers energy during braking system helps the 77 kW 1.6-litre TDI achieve a stunning combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 3.8 litres/100 km. This equates to a theoretical range of more than 1400 km from a tank. So, in this sense, it’s close to being the ultimate eco warrior.
But Bluemotion also boasts a styling kit comprising sports bumpers, side skirts and an enlarged rear roof spoiler along with lowered sports suspension - items you would normally associate with a petrol-swilling hot hatch.
The everyday driving experience can also produce different outcomes. To achieve that afore-mentioned frugal economy, you need to comply faithfully with the up shift indicator and get on and off the accelerator smoothly. This can take some doing, as the indicator is often suggesting changing to a higher gear sooner than what your instincts are telling you. Disregard what it’s saying, though, and consumption blows out, around town to as high as 8.6 litres/100 km, as we experienced.
Apart from that, Bluemotion performs much the same as other members of its extended family. And that’s good.
For
Fuel economy, low emissions, usual Golf attributes
Against
No spare tyre, hatch body and manual only
Key features
Immobiliser, remote central locking,lowered sports suspension, low tyre pressure indicator, low rolling resistance tyres, airconditioning, cruise control, halogen lights, CD with MP3 compatibility, chilled glove box
Safety
Dual front/side/curtain and driver’s knee airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist (BA), electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TCS), hill start assist
Car Details
Vehicle make |
Volkswagen |
Vehicle model |
Golf Bluemotion |
Vehicle type |
Small Under $35,000 |
Year |
2011 |
Price when new |
$28,990 MLP |
Current price range |
$ - $
|
ANCAP crash rating |
|
Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
Engine |
1.6-litre, turbo-diesel, 4-cyl |
Max power |
77 kW @ 4400 rpm |
Max torque |
250 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm |
Acceleration to 100 km/h |
11.3 seconds (claimed) |
Economy ADR |
3.8 litres/100 km |
Emissions rating |
|
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This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.