What is Volkswagen BlueMotion?
You might have come across Volkswagen BlueMotion while shopping for cars – but what exactly is it?
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What is Volkswagen BlueMotion?
While Volkswagen no longer offers new models as BlueMotion, you’ll likely have come across this term if you’ve been searching for efficient used Volkswagen models.
BlueMotion doesn't refer to one single technology – unlike other car terms like DSG and GTD – and is describing a range of features that improve the fuel economy of Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen started fitting BlueMotion tech in its models back in 2006, including updates to gearboxes, tyres, aerodynamics and engines.
There’s a choice of standalone BlueMotion VW models that get new features and designs or an optional BlueMotion Technologies (BMT) pack that pimped the car out with extra economical upgrades.
The BMT models get slightly less extras than the BlueMotion models, but they’re still ideal for cutting back on fuel usage.
BlueMotion Technologies
Volkswagen BlueMotion Technologies aimed to improve the fuel efficiency of VW models, but the tech varied from model to model.
It’ll depend on the exact model you choose as to which BlueMotion features you get, but some of these include:
Turbocharged engines that use extra power only when needed so fuel consumption can be lowered the rest of the time
Tyres with lowing rolling resistance mean the car is using less energy due to the drop in friction between the tyres and the road
Changes to the car’s styling to improve aerodynamics
Start/stop technology – when the car isn’t moving, the engine is automatically turned off
Energy lost through braking being recycled through brake energy recuperation and used to aid acceleration, much like regenerative braking in hybrid models
Improving diesel particulate filters and oxidising catalytic converters to reduce nitrogen oxide production and lessen the amount of those harmful particles entering the environment
Is BlueMotion worth the additional expense?
BlueMotion Volkswagens or models with the BlueMotion Technologies pack can be more expensive than the standard options, but there are bargains to be had if you’re purchasing a used model, and the BMT pack was the cheaper choice.
It’s worth considering a BlueMotion VW if you cover a lot of miles and seriously want to improve fuel efficiency.
In the Golf BlueMotion, an official figure of 88.3mpg was claimed with just 85g/km CO2.
You’re likely to get closer to that claimed figure on long motorway drives, so you could be disappointed if you’re expecting to hit that on a daily basis when ambling around town.
One of the only drawbacks of a BlueMotion VW is that they’re often not the most exciting cars to drive.
They really do focus on cutting back costs rather than producing a genuinely exciting and performance-based drive.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality car that isn’t greedy with fuel, then BlueMotion is definitely worth the money. For a cheaper option, consider a BMT pack instead of an all-out BlueMotion model.
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Benefits of BlueMotion on VW
BlueMotion is ideal for saving money on fuel if you make long trips and do lots of motorway driving
Reduced CO2 emissions mean that BlueMotion tech is kinder to the environment
The aerodynamic styling gives a unique but subtle look
Things to consider about BlueMotion
It might not be worth it if you aren’t set on reducing your fuel consumption or only make short trips, as its most efficient on longer journeys
The initial purchase price is usually higher than other VWs, but the BMT pack was much cheaper and still has its benefits
What is BlueMotion in VW Golf?
The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is one of the standalone models released by VW.
It’s powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine and is hailed as the most economical fuel-powered Golf ever, so it’s ideal if you love the iconic model but want to save on fuel.
The exterior of the Golf BlueMotion is updated to be more aerodynamic, as well as longer gear ratios that are considerably more efficient.
There are also details like smaller, 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, as well as unique interior upholstery.
What does BlueMotion mean on VW Polo?
The VW Polo BlueMotion is another standalone model and fresh upgrade on an iconic Volkswagen model to improve fuel efficiency.
With a 1.0-litre petrol engine that returns up to 68.9mpg with 94g/km, it’s incredibly economical and kinder to the environment.
There are also changes to the design to increase fuel efficiency, such as the front grille being filled in – a small change that does help to use less fuel.
VW models that feature BlueMotion
As mentioned earlier, Volkswagen released a range of BlueMotion models that include the best of fuel-efficient tech but also gave the option to choose a BMT pack on standard models.
True BlueMotion models are ones that are not just the standard vehicle with the extra pack, and include the Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion.
These models were built to showcase the best of VW’s fuel-efficiency technology.
A huge range of VW models were available with the BMT pack, while the BlueMotion models were still popular but not as widespread.
They can be easily spotted by the aerodynamic styling – things like deep side skirts, missing grilles, and flat floor trays are a giveaway.