Volkswagen Golf TSI BlueMotion becomes most efficient petrol version ever

The new Volkswagen Golf TSI BlueMotion uses a tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol TSI engine producing 85kW and 200Nm - which the brand claims is more grunt than the original Golf GTI model. Indeed, the company states the enigne is "as powerful and refined as a good four-cylinder".

While previous BlueMotion Golf models have been powered by a diesel engine with a manual transmission only, the TSI BlueMotion petrol model can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

Fuel consumption is the key achievement for this engine, and it uses just 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres and emits only 99g/km of CO2. There are also Golf Wagon and Golf Sportsvan models available, which use similarly low levels of fuel: the Wagon manual does 4.3L/100km, where the DSG uses 4.5L/100km; the Sportsvan has consumption of 4.5L/100km for the manual and 4.6L/100km for the DSG.

For reference, the original Golf TDI BlueMotion used 4.5L/100km.

Following the rest of the Golf range, the TSI BlueMotion can be had in the more basic Trendline and the upper-spec Comfortline trim levels.

However, Aussie buyers interested in the frugal petrol model will be disappointed to learn that Volkswagen's local arm has no plans to offer the car here. Volkswagen has also previously ruled out the TDI BlueMotion model.

"The Golf range is sufficient as it is," said Karl Gehling, Volkswagen Australia general manager of communications. "At this stage we don't plan to add any further derivatives to the line-up."

The plan to keep the Golf range trim isn't having a negative impact on the brand's sales. In May 2015 the company sold 2093 examples of the car, which saw it rank seventh overall for the month. So far in 2015 there have been 9147 Golf sales, up 10.7 per cent in a segment that is down 10.7 per cent.