(Sun 02 Nov 08)

The BlueMotion 2 version of the Volkswagen Passat is available to order this week. It's more up-to-date than the original BlueMotion, with a modern 108bhp 2.0 TDI turbo diesel engine rather than the older 104bhp 1.9 TDI.

In true BlueMotion form, the new car features revised engine mapping, higher gearing, reduced ride height and improved aerodynamics. Unlike the old car, it also has a stop/start system shuts down the engine in stationary traffic and re-starts it again when the driver presses the clutch pedal to engage first gear.

The improvements in fuel economy are, in fairness, minimal, with a 2mpg improvement on the combined cycle to 57.6mpg. CO2 emissions have dropped by 8g/km to 128g/km for the saloon and 129g/km for the estate. This means that the BlueMotion 2 will be one band lower than the car it replaces - and therefore £20 cheaper per year to tax - in the revised VED structure due to come into force next April.

The BlueMotion 2 is priced at £17,700 for the saloon and £18,835, or £475 more than the standard Passat with the same engine.

Volkswagen Gallery
Volkswagen Road Tests

Previous: Renault Megane Coupé Pricing                    Next: Scottish Award For Ford Fiesta