Volkswagen Golf eHybrid and Golf GTE: plug-in hybrid versions arrive

Volkswagen begins sales in Spain of the new Golf plug-in hybrid PHEV. And it does so with two versions that differ in power and equipment. The Golf eHybrid with 245 CV and 350 Nm starts from 43,770 euros, while the Golf GTE delivers 245 CV and 400 Nm, and its price is 45,140 euros.

With a 13 kWh battery capacity, the electric-mode range is 59 km in the eHybrid and 64 km in the GTE, according to the WLTP cycle. They qualify for the DGT zero-emissions label.

Efficient, sporty… or both: the Golf PHEV

In terms of performance, equipment and styling details, the Golf eHybrid is the version more oriented towards efficiency, while the GTE takes on the sporty role. A duality that existed in earlier generations of the Golf, and still does in this one, with the GTD and GTI versions.

The propulsion system of the Golf PHEV is the same for the eHybrid and the GTE, which differ in power and maximum torque due to the software management of the hybrid module. The engine is the 1.4 TSI petrol four-cylinder with turbocharger, delivering 150 CV, while the electric motor offers a maximum power of 80 kW (110 CV). Both can transmit power to the front wheels individually or work together. The gearbox is the six-speed DSG with dual clutch.

Technically, this hybrid propulsion system is the same as that fitted to the PHEV variants of the Seat León/CUPRA León and the Audi A3, also with two power versions. With 204 CV there are the Seat León e-Hybrid and the Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe. The most powerful, with 245 CV, are the CUPRA León eHybrid and the A3 Sportback 45 TFSIe.

What is striking is that the Golf has the most expensive starting price of all of them: the eHybrid costs 3,000 euros more than the A3 40 TFSIe, while the GTE costs 2,000 euros more than the A3 45 TFSIe. The generous standard equipment of the Golf justifies this difference.

It is also notable that the Audi A3 Sportback PHEV claims greater electric-mode range using the same battery. The A3 reaches 69 km in the 40 TFSIe, 5 km more than the Golf. The maximum speed in electric mode is 130 km/h.

Three driving modes: electric, hybrid or battery保存

The Golf’s hybrid system prioritises, wherever possible, the use of electric power in “E-Mode” until the battery is depleted, always keeping a reserve. In hybrid mode the power of both motors is combined, and there is also a battery-save mode that keeps the charge and reserves it for later use, or recharges it on the move. As in the other models of the Group, the hybrid system works in association with the route programmed in the navigation system, taking the road and traffic into account to manage propulsion for greater efficiency.

In addition to power and standard equipment, Volkswagen differentiates the two PHEV versions of the Golf through styling details. For example, the GTE shares elements with the GTI, such as the grille, side skirts, red brake calipers, and the upholstery and steering wheel.

This sportier version also includes as additional equipment over the eHybrid the XDS electronic limited-slip differential on the front axle, Matrix LED headlights, Head-up display projected information on the windscreen or the Discover Media system, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. Extra equipment that, added to the GTE’s additional power, puts the Golf eHybrid in an awkward position, as it costs only 1,370 euros less. Unless there is a “trick”, and when visiting the dealership the eHybrid has a promotional discount that cannot be applied to the GTE.

Golf eHybrid and Golf GTE image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €