Europe’s most popular car just got greener – as Volkswagen makes its new version of the Golf available to order.

VW originally announced the most efficient Golf ever back in July, which emits a class leading 99g/km and achieves 74.3mpg combined. The new Golf BlueMotion uses the Golf’s 1.6litre TDI common rail engine with 105PS and maximum torque of 250Nm developed at 1,500rpm as its basis with its engine allowing the car to run from 0-62mph in just 11.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 118mph.

So with such dynamic performance, how has the Golf BlueMotion achieved such environmental improvements?

The BlueMotion boasts a number of additional features including a start/stop system, regenerative braking, longer gear ratios, hill holds, low rolling resistance tyres and a malfunction computer that recommends gear changes for maximum economy.

The new car is also fitted with a sports styling kit that improves aerodynamics and helps to boost efficiency. The kit includes sports bumpers, side skirts, an enlarged rear roof spoiler, alloy wheels, cherry red rear lights, chrome grille louvres and BlueMotion badges. To help further reduce the weight of the vehicle, the new Golf BlueMotion comes with a tyre repair kit rather than a spare wheel.

The VW Golf BlueMotion costs £17,325 with estimates suggesting a driver covering 10,000 miles a year will save more than £120 a year in fuel costs alone.