At the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show which is about to take place in just a few more weeks, Volkswagen will be introducing its fifth powertain to be offered in the Golf adding to petrol, diesel, CNG and full electric versions dubbed Golf GTE.
The sporty plug-in hybrid Golf GTE has an NEDC hybrid combined fuel economy rating of 66.7km/L and has an all-electric range of 60km along with an overall range of 934km, plus super low CO2 emissions of 35 g/km.
It is driven by two engines: a 1.4-litre 148hp turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine and a 101hp electric motor. These combine to provide the stated system power of 201hp. The electric motor is supplied with power from a high-voltage 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that is charged from a socket behind the VW logo in the radiator grille. The GTE has a six-speed DSG automatic transmission that was developed specifically for hybrid vehicles.
If the electric motor is the sole source for propulsive power, the Golf GTE is capable of speeds of up to 130kmh. When the full power of the system is harnessed, the GTE sprints from 0 to 100kmh in 7.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 216kmh on the autobahn and race courses. Of more significance is the superior pulling power of the Golf GTE thanks to its alliance of a petrol engine and electric motor that produces a maximum torque of 345Nm. This torque sets this first “GTE” apart from other plug-in hybrid models.
Despite its power and torque, the Golf GTE remains one of the world’s most efficient cars. Volkswagen says, if you mainly run short distances, you can drive in emissions-free all-electric mode for days, weeks, and months. The battery takes about three and a half hours to charge fully from a conventional wall outlet.
If the battery is charged using a wallbox or a public charging station, the charging time is shortened to approximately two and a half hours. Thanks to the control options on the Golf GTE, the driver can also ensure on longer trips that only the electric motor is used in an urban area.
The Golf GTE can be driven in various modes. For instance, the driver can push a button to intentionally switch to the “e-mode” which makes the Golf GTE a zero-emissions vehicle. The driver can also use the button to switch to “GTE mode”, which activates the sporty side of this new Golf.
In those places where red dominates on the GTI, blue is used in the GTE. Bischoff continues: “A radiator crossbar running into the headlights provides further sporty accents within the context of Volkswagen electric mobility.” Like the e-Golf, the four-door Golf GTE will launch with LED dual headlights as standard. The turn signals, parking light, and smoked numberplate lighting also use LED technology. Side skirts and a roof-edge spoiler provide further parallels with the GTI and GTD. The GTE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels as standard while 17-inch, and 18-inch are available as an option.
