The Verdict: Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion 1.9 TDI

You want to be green but you don't want to drive one of those strange, fragile, plastic electric cars or show-off hybrids. What to do?

The rather anonymous Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion is at least one answer to these very contemporary challenges. "Bluemotion", you see, is the name of the sub brand that Volkswagen have adopted for their greener machinery. (It's "Blue" motion rather than "Green" motion, by the way, because the company wants to steer clear of party politics in Germany, where Die Grünen are a much stronger force than their counterparts here.)

In this case VW's engineers have taken a standard diesel Golf, changed the engine's electronic "mapping", lowered the car's suspension slightly to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic qualities by reducing air resistance, lengthened the gear ratios, which means less revving of the engine, and fitted slimmer tyres. Oh, and stuck tiny Bluemotion badges on the front and back. That's about it.

The key point here is that the "sacrifice" you make for a greener, cheaper way of motoring life is minimal. No one will stare at you: only you will know that the Golf TDI's already impressive 53mpg shoots up to 63 after the Bluemotion treatment, while the CO2 output drops from 132 to 119g per kilometre, neatly swerving ever-more onerous fuel duties and car taxes. Fuel cost savings should soon recoup the £500 initial premium that exists between the Golf TDI and the Bluemotion, (whichever trim level you choose). However, other rivals, such as the Ford Focus ECOnetic, match the Golf for build and materials, and you may wish to wait for the new Mark VI Golf that is on the way. Our test Golf Bluemotion also had a distracting whistling noise emanating from the rear passenger door, which was probably down to a faulty seal. Or perhaps it was just the sound of the wind of change.

Steven Boles, 44, hair designer, Edinburgh

Usual car; Porsche Boxster S

The exterior of the Golf is visually underwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got into the cabin. For the most part it looks like most cars of this class, but there are some highlights. I was especially impressed by its space, the sat nav system and the very nice sound system, something that is very important to me. The seats are reasonably comfortable and hold you well in corners, which I hadn't expected. The driving experience as a whole was quite smooth, although gear selection got a bit fiddly at times. Acceleration is very good in the lower gears; a bit more sluggish in top. This car will please environmentalists, given the extremely low emissions and its overall economy. However I feel that its quit e pricey for what it is. Unfortunately, I don't think the Golf Bluemotion is enough to persuade me to change to a more eco-friendly car just yet.

Richard Honour, 29, tour guide Edinburgh

Usual car; VW Golf Diesel Mark IV

Having stepped straight out of a MkIV into the Bluemotion there are a few things that instantly grabbed me. First, there is the completely reworked interior which is nice but I felt may not be as durable as the previous model, although comfortable and well laid out. VW has finally moved the armrest in the front of the car so you can actually use the hand brake properly. A feature I really liked was the stereo - fantastic in this car. The funky touch screen was easy to navigate. To drive, the car felt really peppy especially when you consider this is a low emissions, high economy car which fits into the lower road tax category. The ride was good and the steering felt positive although light enough to not tire the driver out. Were I to consider a low emissions car I feel it would definitely be towards the top of my list. Way over 700 miles on 1 tank of fuel - and it's not even that large a tank - who could ask for more...

Fiona Mcpherson 28, PA in finance sector, Edinburgh

Usual car: Volvo V70 convertible

I'm no eco-warrior, nor am I VW fan - so the question I kept asking myself is "who would want to buy this and why?" Golfs have never set off fireworks for me but I really wanted to like this car, I really wanted it to deliver something really special so I can join the huge following of ever loyal VW fans that have Golfs and Passats in the driveways and who love VW so much that it's the only make of car they've ever had because it's safe and reliable and sensible and be able to say "I'm doing my bit for the environment" but I'm afraid I was left disappointed and bemused. The ride is still noisy, bumpy and it was sluggish and lacked power pulling out of corners.

Besides if you are a true eco-warrior and happen to live and work in congested areas would you not simply use public transport? Call me old fashioned but I'd rather have a normal Golf than be hypocritical.