Volkswagen has revealed first details of the new Golf Plug-in hybrid, which has a claimed combined fuel economy of 188mpg, ahead of its official launch at Geneva Motor Show next week.
Those figures are based on official consumption figures, which are best used as a benchmark to compare other hybrids against each other rather than as a realistic target for real-world driving.
Named GTE, the new Golf can travel officially up to 31 miles on electric power alone at speeds of up to 81mph. Charging will take approximately three and a half hours from a domestic plug socket and if charged from a wallbox will take two and a half hours.
With CO2 emissions of just 35g/km (provisional), that places the new Golf in a five percent BIK tax band for the 2014/15 tax year meaning low tax bills for company car drivers.
The new GTE will be available as a five-door model and carries many characteristics of other members of the Volkswagen Golf family including the GTI and GTD.
The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion electric battery will be paired with a 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine. Combined the two will produce an impressive 202bhp and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. When it comes to speed, 0-62mph will be achieved in 7.6 seconds with a possible top speed of 135mph.
The new GTE will come generously equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, sat-nav, DAB Radio, and Bluetooth all available as standard.
Full details including pricing will be available at a later date.
Order books are set to open in August with first deliveries expected by the end of the year.
