Volkswagen have announced the price, specification and release date for its Golf GTE plug-in hybrid. The good news is that it’s available to order now – the potentially bad news is that it’ll set you back £28,035 (and that’s even after a £5,000 UK government grant).
The hybrid hatchback is likely to shake up the market and will be available in five-door only. Its TSI four-cylinder petrol engine is matched with a 100bhp electric motor.
In terms of its place in the saturated market, the Golf GTE actually undercuts the BMW i3 by nearly £3,000 though is £3,000 more expensive than VW’s own e-Golf electric car. In its full electric mode, the GTE will have a 31-mile electric range and should take around 3.75 hours to charge from the mains.
Inside, there’s some interesting blue stitching on the steering wheel and the familiar tartan seats. There’s also a touchscreen infotainment systems with DAB radio and Bluetooth as standard. It’s got optional navigation and has the ability to identify charging points. Another notable feature is the ability to control the car’s charging and heating via a smartphone application.
Volkswagen, which debuted the model at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, calls it “a new plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback that combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.”
In his review for Auto Express, Kyle Fortune called the GTE, “the missing link between conventionally powered Golfs and the all-electric e-Golf, and is a convincing all-rounder.”
“While it doesn’t live up to is sporty billing, it still provides plenty of fun and allows buyers to dodge road tax bills without EV limitations and compromises,” he added.
Those in the UK who have already ordered their Golf GTEs will likely take delivery in March 2015.