FIRST there was the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Then there was the Golf GTD, the car that promised to combine Golf GTI performance with diesel economy and largely succeeded.
Now there’s a third sporty Golf – the plug-in hybrid VW Golf GTE.
Volkswagen is claiming a provisional combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and CO2 emissions of 35g/km
The new car has two engines: a 1.4-litre 150PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102PS electric motor. As a complete system, they produce maximum power of 204PS.
The GTE can run on electric power alone, giving a top speed of 81mph and a range of up to to 31 miles. With the petrol engine contributing as well, 62mph comes up from rest in 7.6 seconds, and top speed increases to 135mph.
Volkswagen is claiming a provisional combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and CO2 emissions of 35g/km. There’s a six-speed self-shifting DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system specially developed for use in hybrid vehicles as well.
Interior and exterior trim borrows from the forthcoming e-Golf and the existing Golf GTI.
The VW Golf GTE will be seen for the first time at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. UK order books open in August, and the first cars are expected to arrive by the end of the year.
