The green cars just keep on coming at the Paris Motor Show as Volkswagen unveiled the Passat BlueTDI, the second generation of the Passat BlueMotion and a concept Passat Variant BlueMotion II. Yes, the green cars are turning blue…

So what separates these models? Here is a quick guide:

• - Passat BlueTDI – This model is based on a variant of VW’s 2.0 litre 103kW with a slight power boost (105kW). The vehicle consumes up to 0.3 litres less than the conventional TDI with fuel consumption at 43mpg and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 144g/km. The estate version of the car further improves the environmental credentials with emissions at 137g/km.
• - Passat BlueMotion II – Continuing the BlueMotion label that indicates the most economical and least-polluting model in each of Volkswagen’s line-ups, the Passat BlueMotion II includes a new common rail TDI engine with 81kW and a five-speed manual gearbox. It utilises a stop/start system to reduce fuel consumption during city driving and continues to employ the fuel-saving modifications featured in the original model such as more efficient under-body airflow, lowered suspension and a lower cooling system drag. Fuel consumption is 48mpg and CO2 emissions are a low 129g/km meaning the vehicle meets the Euro-5 emissions standard.
• - Passat Variant BlueMotion II - Perhaps the best of both worlds, this concept vehicle combines the low emissions of the BlueTDI with the fuel efficiency of the BlueMotion. It takes aerodynamic features from the BlueMotion II such as the automatic stop/start system, the common rail TDI and transmission with longer gear ratios, while taking the SCR catalytic converter together with AdBlue additive from the BlueTDI to reduce nitrogen oxides. This concept also represents VW’s first application of regenerative braking. The end result is a Euro-6 compliant vehicle with fuel consumption at 57mpg and CO2 emissions at just 109g/km.

Stay tuned to the news section here at thegreencarwebsite.co.uk and we’ll bring you more news from the Paris Motor Show.