Currently reading: Hot electric Volkswagen Golf GTE revealed
Sporting 201bhp plug-in hybrid variant of the Golf to go on sale in August, prices expected to start at £28k

Volkswagen’s petrol-electric plug-in hybrid Golf will take a new GTE model nomenclature into production.

Revealed at the Geneva motor show, the Golf GTE is the second dedicated petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model from the German car maker, following on from the limited volume XL1 launched in 2013.

The GTE tag has been chosen to reflect what Volkswagen describes as the sporting qualities of the new five-door hatchback, which has been styled in a similar fashion to the existing Golf GTI and GTD.

Power comes from a transversely mounted 1.4-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine and synchronous electric motor sited within the gearbox housing. The combustion engine develops 148bhp, with the electric motor delivering 101bhp. Together they provide the Golf GTE with a combined 201bhp, along with 258lb ft of torque.

Read our full review on the petrol hybrid Volkswagen Golf GTE

By comparison, the Golf GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine kicks out 217bhp and the same 258lb ft in standard guise.

But while the Golf GTI tips the scales at 1351kg, the Golf GTE is fitted with a 200kg lithium ion battery boasting a capacity of 8.8kWh, taking its kerb weight to 1524kg.

Drive is channelled through a six-speed gearbox that comprises three individual clutches connected to the front wheels. Volkswagen claims a 0-62mph time of 7.6sec and 135mph top speed in hybrid mode.

The driver can alternatively choose to run in e-mode via a switch on the centre console, in which the advanced new Golf is propelled exclusively by the electric motor for a claimed zero-emission range of 31 miles at speeds up to 81mph.

Based on the European test procedure, the Volkswagen Golf GTE is claimed to boast combined consumption of 188.3mpg. However, the figure is largely theoretical having been achieved on electric propulsion alone.

Initially unveiled in prototype form at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, it receives a unique front bumper featuring LED positioning lamps, similar in appearance to those used by the XL1 and standard LED headlamps.

The remainder mirrors the appearance of the Golf GTI. But instead of red accents, the Golf GTE boasts blue tones in the form of a continuous horizontal line running through each headlamp and lower blade of the grille, as well as similarly toned GTE badges within the front flanks.

Further differentiation from standard Golf models includes widened sills, a spoiler atop the rear tailgate, darkened tail lamp lenses and standard 16inch wheels in a unique design.

The interior styling of Golf GTE also leans heavily on the Golf GTI, but with blue highlights instead of the more familiar red shades. Standard equipment includes a 6.5inch touchscreen monitor.

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This display houses a range of unique functions, including range monitor, zero emission statistic data and so-called e-manager – the latter allowing vehicle information, including state of charge, to be remotely accessed via a smartphone app that will be made available to customers.

Volkswagen's Golf GTE is planned to go on sale in the UK in late August, with first deliveries expected in December. Official pricing has not yet been announced, but it's expected that the GTE will fit between the current £26,125 Golf GTI and the £29,900 Golf R, meaning a price of around £28,000 is likely. That's including the government's £5000 grant for electric vehicles.

Without the grant, expected prices for the GTE will start at around £33,000.

Read our VW Golf GTE prototype first drive here

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fadyady 5 March 2014

Big toe

Don't like the Golf (for playing too safe style-wise) therefore don't like this plug-in hybrid version either which is merely a blue line different from the standard car. However it's good that Volkswagen is finally dipping a big toe in clean technologies. At 28k after the government grant, it's the same price as Toyota Prius Plug-in.
Racotau 21 February 2014

Nah

I think rather than spend 28k on a Golf in an organic cotton cocktail dress, I'd rather opt for a BMW 320d, currently going brand new for 24k from a long established reputable internet broker. The saved 4k would cover fuel consumption differential. Golf or 3 Series? 3 Series or Golf? Not difficult a difficult decision for private ownership is it? BIK % argument carries some weight though re company car scenario.
rickerby 21 February 2014

Yeh

Racotau wrote:

I think rather than spend 28k on a Golf in an organic cotton cocktail dress, I'd rather opt for a BMW 320d, currently going brand new for 24k from a long established reputable internet broker. The saved 4k would cover fuel consumption differential. Golf or 3 Series? 3 Series or Golf? Not difficult a difficult decision for private ownership is it? BIK % argument carries some weight though re company car scenario.

Except the 3 series is a plasticy mess that doesnt actually have that much more room than a Golf. Canal Barge Diesel Power or state of the art electro-petrol? state of the art electro-petrol or Canal Barge Diesel?

courtster 21 February 2014

A3 e-tron

Of course, it's the same as an Audi A3 e-tron

Time for the Skoda and SEAT versions in a year or so...