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Volkswagen is unveiling three cars it claims are the most efficient in the world in their respective classes. The Polo, Golf and Passat Bluemotion will debut at the Frankfurt motor show this month, and all three claim to offer class leading fuel economy and emissions figures.

The Polo Bluemotion claims 86mpg and 87g/km of CO2 emissions, the Golf 74mpg and 99g/km, while the Passat states 64mpg and 114g/km. This means the Polo is the lowest-emission car available, beating the Smart diesel's 88g/km and the Prius' 89g/km. The Smart matches the Polo's 86mpg claim, but only has two seats.

All three cars go on sale in the UK next spring. The Passat Bluemotion will be available in both saloon and estate versions, although the figures VW has quoted are only for the saloon.

The German brand hasn't finished with developing the Bluemotion possibilities - aiming to bring Passat emissions down to 104g/km with the next generation. The cars manage their impressive fuel figures thanks to stop start technology, gear shift indicators and regenerative braking.

VW has also said it will give the Bluemotions "styling features that bridge the gap between sustainability and sporty appeal". The Golf and Passat will get the bumpers and side skirts from the R-Line versions of each car, and all three are getting a customised interior.

Prices have yet to be announced, but the Passat should cost a similar amount to the current model at around £18,000.

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