The plug-in hybrid Golf GTE completes Volkswagen’s sporty hatchback range that also consists of the petrol GTI and diesel GTD.
It sits in between the two other models, in terms of power, making a combined total of 201 hp and 258 lb-ft or 350 Nm which pushes it past 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 135 mph (or 216 km/h, which we assume must be somewhat electronically pegged back, since the less powerful diesel tops 142 mph/229 km/h).
Since it’s the slowest of all three models, both in terms of sprinting and outright speed, you’d expect it to have a party piece since it will probably be pretty expensive and they do want to sell it, right?
Correct, as they’ve given it a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 1.5 l/100km (equal to 157 mpg US or 188 mpg UK), and as you may have imagined, it is achieved with the all-electric range of up to 31 miles (~50 km). The car has a combined autonomy of 584 miles (934 km), plus super low CO2 emissions of 35 g/km.
It achieves those feats (in the lab…) thanks to the marriage of a 1.4-liter 148 hp turbocharged engine used in many other models with a 101 hp electric motor. The car can run solely on the latter up to a speed of 81 mph or 129 km/h.
This means that if your daily commute is short and you have a place to charge, you could basically run this in the same way you’d run a Chevy Volt and only use the petrol engine for performance driving, if the need suddenly arises; a full charge on the battery from empty takes under three hours from a conventional wall socket.
The GT’s looks draws heavily upon that of the GTI, but with e-Golf influences. It also replaces the GTI’s red detailing with blue and features side skirts and a discreet spoiler on the back that are taken from the other two models. GTE badges finish off the look, as do the unique LED daytime-running lights borrowed from the e-Golf. The inside is shared with the GTI/GTD, with sporty seats and details that continue the blue exterior theme.
The Golf GTE is set to debut in the metal at the Geneva motor show.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
