We review the VW Polo BlueMotion (2008) from price to economy and all its features

BLUE is the new green for Volkswagen - as their eco-friendly BlueMotion models hit the fuel-economy heights.We’re talking 74.3mpg for the VW Polo, more than 60mpg for a Golf and more than 55mpg for the Passat, thanks to new aero-dynamics and turbo-diesel engines.

The Polo escapes new London congestion charges this October is are at the bottom of the new road-tax bands. The Polo costs an extra £295, Golf £500 and Passat £750.

The Polo has a 20-week waiting list in the UK which shows what a winner the BlueMotion is.

And that’s how long you’ll have to wait for a Polo BlueMotion in the UK if you order one today, and that’s despite Volkswagen tripling production to meet demand.

Three days with the car also demonstrated why it has hit the spot - it has everything you’d want from a supermini.

It has a deceptively quick 1.4-litre turbo-diesel three-cylinder engine which sounds tractor-like at tick-over and low speed but is a gem as you get moving.

But it’s the mileage that will really thrill you, although I never managed the 74.3mpg that VW claim.

The best I did was 66mpg, with steady driving, but I’m sure if I’d tried I could have got close to 70mpg - which is sensational for a large supermini which transports four adults in comfort.

A tank of diesel will take you from London to the South of France in one go, and very few other cars are capable of that.

And the fact you pay NO road tax with this car and NO London congestion charge adds to your joy.

If you’re not into VW cars you won’t notice any difference in look between the BlueMotion Polo and standard version.

But the visual changes are a front grille that’s sealed off, lightweight alloy wheels and other aerodynamic tweaks.

And with prices starting from £12,120 - an extra £295 - this is one eco-car that won’t break the bank.