Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid

The petrol GTI and diesel GTD have been longstanding members of the Golf range. Now they’re going to be joined by the plug-in hybrid GTE.

Due to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, the GTE has both a 101 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS) electric motor and a 148 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine that are connected to a specially-developed six-speed DSG automatic transmission. The car’s combined powertrain is rated at 201 bhp (150 kW / 203 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of peak torque.

That’s sufficient for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.6 seconds and a 135 mph (217 km/h) top speed. By comparison, the equivalent figures for a Golf GTI are 6.5 seconds and 153 mph (246 km/h).

Volkswagen Golf GTE (2015) Front Side

Unsurprisingly the GTE regains the advantage when it comes to efficiency though. It achieves a theoretical 188.5 mpg (1.5 l/100km) while emitting just 35 g/km of carbon dioxide, according to the New European Driving Cycle measure for hybrids. To put that into perspective, the Golf GTD manages a very reasonable - but relatively poor - 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) and 109 g/km.

Using electric propulsion only the GTE’s range is 31 miles (50 kilometres) and its top speed is limited to 81 mph (130 km/h). When depleted, the 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack takes around three and a half hours to recharge via a domestic socket, or an hour less if a special wallbox is used.

Volkswagen Golf GTE (2015) DashboardVolkswagen Golf GTE (2015) Rear Side

Externally, the GTE and GTI look virtually identical. However, the hybrid does have dual LED headlights, more aerodynamic alloy wheels, a blue radiator crossbar and blue badges.

It’s a similar situation inside, where subtle distinguishing features include various blue accents, a driving mode switch and a power meter incorporated into the instruments. Furthermore, the 6.5” touchscreen shows GTE-specific functions such as an energy flow display and a driving range monitor.

Sales of the GTE are due to begin in the summer. A price has yet to be announced, but expect the hybrid Golf to qualify for the UK government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant.

Related posts:
Volkswagen e-Golf heading to the United States
2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Top 10: 2013 Golf essentials

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