Volkswagen has opened up its order books on its new Passat Bluemotion 2, it’s cleanest and greenest Passat yet. Replacing the current Bluemotion model, the Mk2 Bluemotion is powered by a 110bhp 2.0-litre common rail diesel that’s been recalibrated with a lower idle rate and fitted with a switchable start/stop system to cut emissions and boost economy.
How clean and green is the new VW Passat Bluemotion 2?
When it arrives here in January, the Passat will post a combined economy figure of 57.6mpg and a CO2 rating of 128 g/km – useful savings compared to the outgoing 1.9-litre 105bhp BlueMotion model (55.4mpg and 136 g/km). The new car features a five-speed manual box with longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth, a 15mm lower ride height and a more aerodynamic grille.
The start/stop tech centres around the clutch – select neutral at idle and the engine will shut down. Dip the clutch and it will fire into life. The system can be deactivated by a dash-mounted switch. The BlueMotion 2 saloon will cost £17,700 (£18,835 for the estate) – a £475 price hike over the equivalent standard model. Volkswagen currently shifts around 38,000 Passats a year in the UK, with the Bluemotion accounting for 1400 units, but expects the new car to boost that figure to around 2000 a year.
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