IT'S been more than 30 years since the launch of the first VW Golf, so the ever-popular car needs little introduction but the BlueMotion technology may not be quite so familiar.

BlueMotion combines comfort with a high standard of equipment levels and excellent efficiency.

And while these models have excellent fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions, VW has made certain there is no compromise on the performance.

And I can testify to the car's incredible performance. The 1.6-litre diesel engine delivers ample power and acceleration both in and around town and out on the faster motorways, but the combined fuel economy is a staggering 74.3mpg - that's pretty important nowadays with soaring prices at the petrol pumps.

The car features improved aerodynamics with sports bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler. It has regenerative brakes along with low rolling resistance tyres and a start/stop function - all factors that help reduce fuel consumption.

But the real beauty is how well the car handles.

Acceleration through the five-speed manual transmission is good and although the 0-62mph sprint takes 11.3 seconds, the power at your disposal never seems to be lacking and the car can easily hold its own alongside fast moving traffic.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and that makes weaving through busy city centre traffic all the safer.

The Golf BlueMotion looks great from all angles and this five-door has ample room to carry four adults complete with all their luggage requirements.

The boot is generous in size and can be increased further thanks to 60:40 split folding rear seats.

On-board creature comforts include semi-automatic air conditioning, a great audio system with CD player and MP3 compatibility, DAB radio, a multi-function computer which displays suggested gear changes to maximise efficiency, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and plenty more besides.

The cabin is bright and cheerful and the model I drove featured striking blue cloth upholstery. There is certainly a sense of quality to the build and materials used within the Golf.

As one would expect, VW has packed plenty of top notch safety features into the Golf, such as anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist, electronic stabilisation programme, numerous airbags and lots more.

All in all, the Golf may be in its early 30s but the years have certainly been kind to this model and it seems to have undergone more reinventions than Madonna along the way.