VOLKSWAGEN has released the third in its series of ultra-economical and low-polluting BlueMotion cars.

The new Golf BlueMotion follows the Polo and Passatt BlueMotions which have been hailed as among the most economical and environment-friendly cars in their respective classes.

All BlueMotion cars have been mechanically and aerodynamically modified to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions without affecting the safety, practicality and comfort of the regular cars - servicing and repairs cost the same too.

The price premium averages around £500, which shouldn't take long to recover from lower running costs and better residual values.

The Polo can return an astonishing 74.3mpg overall, with meagre emissions of just 99g/km and the hefty, family-sized Passatt 54mpg overall, with 136g/km.

The new Golf keeps the practicality and fine driving dynamics of the regular Golf while bumping economy up to 62.8mpg and emissions down to a tax-busting 119g/km.

The Polo BlueMotion is light and lively with its eager 1.4-litre diesel providing a useful 80ps and plenty of low-end torque.

It's certainly a revelation cruising at an easy 70mph on the motorway and seeing the fuel consumption computer showing a steady 77mpg!

List price is £12,125 on the road and the vehicle excise duty is A which equates to a pleasing £0.

The Passatt BlueMotion Estate is a big, comfortable family car with a lot of room and a steady drive. It can give 56mpg on a run and costs £18,405. VED band is C - £120.

But the new Golf is the most spirited machine with its 1.9-litre diesel providing all the A and B-road fun for which the model is famed. With 105ps and a strong 184lb/ft of torque from just 1,900rpm it's lively and quick, yet can reward a steady run with an excellent 74.3mpg.

It costs from £16,750 with VED band B at £35 per year.

For more information contact the local VW dealer.