(Fri 12 Jun 09)

Volkswagen has added the Touareg SUV to its list of vehicles with a high-economy, low-CO2 BlueMotion version.

The Touareg BlueMotion uses the 222bhp three-litre V6 TDI turbo diesel engine, slightly modified in this case to improve economy. Other changes include low rolling resistance tyres, a more efficient alternator, a few aerodynamic change, a regenerative braking system (using otherwise wasted energy to help charge the battery) and a ride height lowered by 25mm.

The BlueMotion is slightly slower than the standard 3.0 V6 TDI in a straight line, but the differences are marginal - top speed comes down by 1mph to 126mph, and the 0-62mph time increases from 8.3 seconds to 8.5 seconds. More importantly, combined fuel economy improves from 30.4mpg to 34.0mpg, while CO2 emissions, previously at 244g/km, are now 219g/km.

The significance of that last figure is that it brings the Touareg's VED rating down to Band K, saving owners £190 in tax this year and £180 from next April onwards. Volkswagen estimates that the improved economy will mean a reduction in annual fuel bills of around £400, though this of course depends on how many miles you drive.

Balanced against all this is the fact that the BlueMotion costs £420 more than the standard car. In entry-level form its list price is £34,150, while the SE - which gets dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, touchscreen satellite navigation, heated front seats, leather upholstery, Walnut wood interior trim and 18" alloy wheels - costs £37,545.

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