21 February 2014
4 Mins read

VW GTE to debut in Geneva

Volkswagen has given the world a first glimpse at its new Golf GTE, the plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback.

The automaker hopes it can satisfy a need for buyers looking at new car deals and wanting the benefits of electric mobility coupled with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.

It will be part of Volkswagen's Geneva Motor Show next month and, once it goes on sale, will be the fifth variety of drive type in the successful Golf range.

The designers state the moniker of GTE reflects its similarities to the iconic petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD.

Car buyers will have a multitude of power options if they want their Golf Gran Turismos to be of the electric variety. The 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine is twinned with a 102 PS electric motor. When working in perfect VW harmony, the hybrid delivers power of 204 PS and has a range of up to 580 miles. The car's electric motor alone can propel the GTE to speeds of 81 mph and once the engine kicks in, a 0-60mph figure of 7.6 seconds is achievable.

Amazingly, this performance does not prevent the GTE from offering very environmentally-friendly MPGs and CO2 emissions of 188 and 35g/km respectively.

Volkswagen states the 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery takes 3.5 hours to charge from a domestic mains outlet, although this can be cut to 2.5 hours if charging from a domestic wallbox.

Aesthetically, the Golf GTE combines the looks of the e-Golf and the traditional GTI, with a front bumper that features C-shaped LED daytime running lights and aerodynamic horizontal fins.

When it goes on sale in the UK, 18-inch Serron alloy wheels will be sold as standard, while the model will be available in five-door body style only.

More details will become available when the ordering opens in late August.