2011 VW Passat Most Economical Yet

Volkswagen has launched their most economical production Passat so far, capable of 67.3 mpg on a combined cycle.

Exact CO2 emission figures haven't been released yet, but they are expected to be under 110 g/km for the saloon, and slightly more for the Estate. The new model's 70 litre fuel tank gives it a range of up to 1,035 miles.

The 1.6 litre diesel TDI engine and six-speed gearbox are complemented by VW's battery regeneration system, low resistance tires, as well as adjustments to the suspension, underbody and wheels to reduce drag. However the fuel economy hasn't come at the expense of comfort or safety; all the standard options from the current S model are included in the BlueMotion version.

And the BlueMotion range has been making the news lately as journalists put its fuel economy to the test. Last month, a Golf BlueMotion was put through its paces by Car Magazine's Assistant Editor Chris Chilton, who took it to the US and drove from Miami to Los Angeles, accompanied by navigator and photographer Greg Pajo.

The right-handed drive model was driven for ten days across a country where diesel cars (and garages with diesel pumps) are scarce. In all, seven states were traversed, with the 3,144 mile route taking in interstate highways, forgotten back roads and the thickest urban traffic jams. However the car came out on top, using just £120 worth of diesel, whereas Chris and Greg had to deal with fatigue, curious traffic police and snakes as they struggled to make a deadline which would enable them to meet California's governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on arrival in Los Angeles.

As Chris said, "even if you make no concessions to economical driving other than obeying the speed limit, the Golf BlueMotion could still save you a fortune at the pumps."