Perfect for frugal family and fleet motoring: the Volkswagen Passat Estate Bluemotion 1.6 TDI

The Passat Estate is the unsung hero of the Volkswagen model range. A workhorse with unexceptional looks, its lack of glamour means its tailor-made for families who want something solid with an air of understated conservatism. It also makes it ideal for the fleet market. Its appeal is now likely to broaden, as the new ‘eco’ Bluemotion version hits the roads, sipping even less fuel than before and emitting less CO2 than any other car in its class. Perfect for frugal family and fleet motoring, the Passat Estate Bluemotion is a serious alternative to the hybrids currently on the market – and it also has more loadspace.

The Passat Estate Bluemotion is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre TDI that produces 103bhp and 185lb-ft of torque at 1,500rpm. It’s not a big engine, especially for a family-sized estate, so the rather sluggish 12.4 seconds for the 0-62mph benchmark feels about right. Top speed is 120mph. But pace and performance aren’t really the point of Bluemotion editions of Volkswagen cars. The common rail diesel engine has been modified for better economy, having a revised engine management system and a lower idle speed, plus an automatic start/stop function. Also modified is the five-speed manual gearbox, which has longer ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears to reduce engine speed. Together these tweaks create a car that cruises well, but sometimes struggles when called upon for overtaking duties. The five-speed ‘box sometimes feels a little limited and often has to be worked hard to get the most out of the engine, but once you get the hang of it, it responds with a fairly quiet, refined driving experience.

Read the full Volkswagen Passat Estate Bluemotion 1.6 TDI road test

Author: Lee Sibbald, July 30, 2010
Filed under: Fleet news,Volkswagen

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