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Words and photos by Kim Henson
Since the 1970s Volkswagen’s diesel-powered cars have been building an enviable reputation for reliability, longevity and frugality. However, the recently developed, deliberately even more economical ‘Bluemotion’ variants have pushed technology further, to provide significant improvements in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. The overall effect is to help preserve the environment, in addition to reducing running costs.
I have recently been test-driving the estate version of the Passat Bluemotion (the car is also offered in four door saloon form). Sharing the same, capacious five door body shell as ‘normal’ Passat estates, the Bluemotion differs in a number of important respects. However, Volkswagen’s engineers have endeavoured to make the ‘economy’ aspects detract as little as possible from the traditional user-friendliness of the model, and in particular to ensure that the car retains enjoyable driving characteristics.
The Bluemotion incorporates many of the standard features of the well-equipped ‘S’ version of the Passat (including, for example, ‘Climatic’ semi-automatic air conditioning, electrically operated front windows, plus heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors), but the car has been further enhanced in its specification and engineering terms. Factory-fitted extra features of the Bluemotion include a cruise control system and16 inch multi-spoke ‘Sarena’ sports aluminium alloy road wheels. In addition, the multi-mode trip computer incorporates a ‘change up’ advisory lamp on the dash, to help drivers change to the next highest ratio at the optimal point for saving fuel, while maintaining momentum (during my test drive this lamp illuminated at approximately 2,200 rpm).
The engine employed is Volkswagen’s proven and already economical 1.9 litre turbo diesel motor, incorporating unit injector (‘Pumpe Düse’) technology. In Bluemotion form this torquey engine still produces the same power output as the power unit on which it was based (105PS). However, maximum use of the available fuel, coupled with minimal emissions, are ensured by adopting changes to the electronic engine management system, plus a variable geometry turbocharger (to give high torque output from just above tickover speed) and the installation of both an oxidation catalyst and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). In addition, the tickover speed is lower than is the case with standard Passats.
The transmission has been revised too, with higher ratios for third, fourth and fifth (top) gears, to lower engine rpm for a given road speed, and thus improve economy. In ‘normal’ Passats the third gear ratio is 1.3:1, whereas in the Bluemotion it is 1.25:1. For fourth gear the usual ratio is 0.9:1, but 0.84 for the Bluemotion version, and the standard fifth gear ratio is 0.7:1, compared with a very ‘long-legged’ 0.63:1 for the Bluemotion.
To reduce air drag on the vehicle, the suspension has been lowered by 15mm at the front and 8mm at the rear, and further aerodynamic improvements include the use of specially shaped underbody covers, a revised lower front airdam, smaller intakes for the cooling system, re-shaped door mirrors and a new rear spoiler. The drag coefficient of 0.27 compares with 0.30 for standard Passat estates.
Special tyres providing low rolling resistance are fitted too; every little helps!
The overall effect of the modifications is to significantly improve the official ‘Combined’ fuel consumption figure from 47.9 mpg for the ‘standard’ estate (with Diesel Particulate Filter) by more than 13 per cent to 54.3 miles per gallon (55.4 for the Bluemotion saloon). In addition, CO2 emissions are reduced by in excess of 11 per cent, from 154 g./km to 137g./km/ (136 g./km/ for the saloon). The ‘official’ Urban consumption figure for the Bluemotion estate is 41.5 mpg, and Extra-Urban, 64.2 mpg.
Incidentally, a by-product of the engineering changes is that despite the improved fuel consumption and emissions performance of this model, the potential top speed has been increased; to 118 mph (up from 115) for the estate, and to 120 mph (up from 117 mph) for the saloon. So you really can have your cake and eat it!
Standing start acceleration is unchanged, at 12.4 seconds for the ‘yardstick’ zero to 62 mph time.
REAL LIFE USE
I was impressed by the Passat’s spacious passenger compartment and by the seats, which although firm to the touch, provided comfortable support over very long distances. Head room is excellent throughout the vehicle, and leg room generally good for all occupants (although it is a little restricted for those in the rear, when the front seats are set towards their rearmost positions). Over two trips of 250 miles on consecutive days, I found this VW to be a pleasant and relaxing vehicle in which to travel. The accommodating ride quality helped, and the car cornered in positive, fuss-free fashion too. Indeed the car made light of twisty roads, despite wet and slippery conditions.
Even with four passengers and a full load of luggage, I discovered that the Bluemotion always accelerated eagerly and cruised very comfortably for hours at a time at the legal motorway limit of 70 mph (at this speed the engine is rotating at a leisurely 2,000 rpm). If you are looking for sports car like performance this car may not be for you, but most buyers of the Bluemotion will be more interested in its economy credentials. In any case, in truth it is lively enough for most purposes, and the prodigious output of torque from low engine speeds means that the engine is always responsive; I found that it starts to pull very strongly from around 1,200 rpm. In addition, the engine always feels refined and is quiet-running, especially at cruising speeds.
Practical touches abound, and especially appreciated during my time with the vehicle were the easy-to-fold rear seats (divided two thirds to one third) and the spacious load compartment. With plenty of room to spare, this swallowed up luggage for four adults, plus a number of extra bags and large boxes. Chromed luggage tie-down ‘hinged loops’ are provided (four at the bottom plus two at the top); very handy when it is necessary to anchor down loads. Two separate small, open compartments are built-in, one on each side of the luggage compartment. These are invaluable for containing small items that otherwise would skate around on the boot floor!
Incidentally, I found the VW’s handbook to be comprehensive, easy-to-follow and useful; it includes basic maintenance information. Surprisingly (and helpfully) each section within the handbook is indexed; wow!
Any negative points? It might take uninitiated owners quite a while to get used to the electronic, push-button handbrake operation (although the system works well enough), and similarly the requirement to hold down the clutch while operating the starter motor may initially cause consternation if the car is stalled in heavy traffic. Doubtless these aspects would soon be mastered.
Of course, this car is all about fuel economy (hand-in-hand with low emissions). First, I was very impressed to find that during normal in-town driving the Passat was averaging between 40 and 42 mpg. However, on two long runs, both including about 100 miles of ‘mixed’ driving on ‘A’ roads as well as motorway stints of 150 plus miles, the Passat, with four adults plus luggage aboard, returned a highly creditable 57.1 mpg (driving ‘normally’ and without resorting to ‘economy driving’ techniques).
The excellent consumption figures, coupled with a large capacity fuel tank (15.4 gallons) means that stops for re-fuelling are seldom required (actually this is a major plus point in an age when the numbers of filling stations are declining). In theory, using the ‘Combined’ fuel consumption figures as a realistic basis, this Passat is capable of covering over 830 miles between re-fills.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Excellent. The Passat Bluemotion estate is a solidly-engineered, spacious and highly practical family vehicle. It is not cheap to buy (the basic, ‘On The Road’ price is £18,660), but – importantly today – it is particularly economical in terms of fuel usage and costs, and of course the longer the vehicle is kept, and the further it is driven, the greater the savings (so in effect, in time the relatively high initial price will be offset by these savings).
SPECIFICATIONS IN BRIEF
Top speed: 118 mph
0-62 mph: 12.4 secs
Max. power: 105 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Max. torque: 250 Nm (184 lb.ft.) @ 1,900 rpm
‘Combined’ fuel consumption: 54.3 mpg
Theoretical range on a full tank: Over 830 miles.
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