AN eco version of the Volkswagen Transporter panel van is being released giving users the potential of achieving more than 50 miles per gallon.

The Transporter BlueMotion is priced from £19,670 excluding VAT and offers a seven per cent fuel improvement over the short wheelbase van powered by a 2.0-litre 102ps diesel engine.

Emissions for the new model are rated at 145g/km.

To achieve the extra economy VW has fitted the Transporter BlueMotion with a speed limiter set to 62mph and made the panel van more aerodynamic with a lowered suspension and redesigned wheel spoilers.

The BlueMotion model also sits on low friction tyres and has modified gear ratios. Stop/start and battery regeneration is standard across the new sixth generation Transporter range.

The Transporter BlueMotion has a gross vehicle weight of 2.7 tonnes, and a payload of 839 kg, up to 121 kg more than that of the short wheelbase T26 2.0-litre TDI five-speed manual.