The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTE is on sale now, with a significant price realignment - chopping £3,420 off the outgoing model’s price.
The petrol-electric hybrid Golf GTE comes in two trim levels and features new technologies. Delivering a mix of ‘engaging GTI-style dynamics, responsible e-Golf-style sustainability’ says VW, the entry level Golf GTE costs £30,635 OTR while the GTE Advance costs £32,135 OTR (both excluding the Government’s Plug-In Car Grant). Each model is powered by a 150 PS 1.4 TSI petrol engine and a 75Kw electric motor, mated to a DSG transmission.
The total potential range is 514 miles, with an all-electric range of 31 miles. This opens up the possibility of driving cross-country using the TSI petrol engine and then completing your journey into town under zero emissions, full electric power.
Official performance figures for the 204 PS Golf GTE show it can cover the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph. CO2 emissions are 38g/km for the GTE and 40g/km for the GTE Advance, while Volkswagen says combined fuel economy is 166 mpg for the GTE and 157 mpg for the GTE Advance.
High performance driving is available when required by pressing a centre console-mounted GTE button which combines ‘spirited’ acceleration - via the instant torque of the electric motor - working alongside the broad power of the turbocharged petrol engine.
The Advance model adds additional luxuries such as 18-inch Marseille alloys, an updated Discover Navigation system, a Winter Pack including heated seats, 65 per cent tinted windows, a front centre armrest and exterior e-sound.
With four operating modes; ‘E-Mode’, ‘GTE mode’, ‘Battery Charge’ and ‘Hybrid, in electric mode, the GTE is capable of speeds of up to 81 mph. The 8.7 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in 3.45 hours from a domestic mains outlet, or 2.15 hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120 kg, giving a kerbweight of 1,615 kg.
The VW also has an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can be operated remotely using the Car-Net app on a smartphone.
A full range of assistance and infotainment systems has also been added to the updated GTE, meaning the new model is available for the first time with Traffic Jam Assist (semi-autonomous driving up to 37 mph), fully digital Active Info Display and the optional Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system including 9.2-inch display and gesture control.