VW Golf GTE plug-in hybrid revealed

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new hot hatch hybrid.

VW claim the GTE will combine “the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI”.

The new Golf is now available in five drive types – petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid and natural gas (not in the UK).

The GTE, which will debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show next month, is driven by two engines – a 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI unit developing 148bhp, alongside a 75 kW/100bhp electric motor mated with a six-speed gearbox, providing 248bhp total power.

Volkswagen says the Golf GTE has a theoretical range of around 580 miles and, using the electric motor alone, is capable of 81mph. With the TSI engine as well, it’s capable of 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph.

The Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone, while the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a quick charging point.

Visually, the Golf GTE is a combination of the e-Golf and standard GTI. For example, the front bumper features LED daytime running lights, like those on the e-Golf. All lights on the GTE, are LED and it will only be available as a five-door when it hits the showrooms in the second half of the year.