Volkswagen has revealed the new Golf GTE – a plug-in hybrid version of the Golf hatchback.
Set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, order books will open in August with first deliveries expected by the end of the year.
Pure electric mode
The new Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles on pure electric mode dependent on the weather, terrain and driving style which will impact on the range. When travelling on electric power the car is able to travel up to speeds of 81mph.
Crucially for company car drivers, the GTE has impressively low CO2 emissions of 35g/km (provisional) meaning only a five percent BIK tax band for the 2014/15 tax year.
Private buyers will also benefit from zero car tax.
Charging the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion electric battery will take approximately three and a half hours from a domestic plug socket and if you have a fast-charging ‘wallbox’ installed at home it will take two and a half hours.
A new triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles will make its debut in the new GTE alongside the Golf’s proven six-speed DSG gearbox.
The GTE will also feature an e-manager system which will enable the driver to pre-set vehicle charging as well as pre-heat or cool the car via a smartphone application before setting off on a journey.
Impressive performance credentials
Said to be combining the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI, the new GTE has some impressive provisional performance figures to its name.
The electric battery is paired with a 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine and together they produce 202bhp and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. The GTE will travel from 0-62mph in a spritely 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 135mph.
When it comes to fuel economy, based on official consumption figures (which should be used as a benchmark to compare other hybrids against each other rather than a realistic target), the GTE has a combined figure of 188mpg.
Available as a five-door only
When it comes to looks, the Golf GTE combines many of the characteristics of other members of the Golf family including the e-Golf, the GTI and the GTD.
LED lights will be available as standard as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, and the car will only be available as a five-door model.
Volkswagen’s multimedia system with sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth will also be included in the price. This will include bespoke functions for electric vehicles including the ability to identify potential destinations and electric charging points.
Full details including pricing will be available at a later date.
Parkers will be one of the first to drive the new GTE so make sure you check back with us to read our review.
