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VW Golf/Passat Bluemotion: Test Drive (continued)
Date: 20 April 2008 | Author:
Passat
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The big brother Passat hits the 18% BIK banding thanks to 136g/km emissions (21g/km better than the standard 1.9 Passat saloon), and an average 55.4mpg (9.1mpg better).
VW's biggest achievement with these cars, however, is that from behind the wheel there's no hint that they are special green variants. They drive exactly the same as the non-Bluemotion models. Equipment levels are all you'd expect, too, with ESP anti-skid control, six airbags, alloys, and auto wipers and lights all standard. The only difference for the Bluemotion models is the gearchange reminder light on the dashboard.
They look the same on the outside as well. Where the Polo Bluemotion has an obviously different grille, the changes to Passat and Golf are significantly more subtle, and only discreet badging gives the game away.
That lack of compromise, amplified by the small price rise over a standard car, means VW should have fleets queuing around the block. Going greener has never been easier.
