Volkswagen Golf GTE 2020 review

Опубликованно 04.09.2020 18:21

What is it?

This second-generation   Golf GTE has a lot to live up to. The 2014 original set the standard for front-driven PHEV hatchbacks, running the same petrol-electric drivetrain as the Audi A3 e-tron but benefitting from a longer list of equipment and being priced much more agreeably.

This new model continues down the same engineering path: it’s positioned as an eco-friendly alternative to the Golf GTI, with a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor working through a six-speed DSG gearbox. With a newly developed battery of 13.0kWh capacity compared to the 9.0kWh of the old car, it also offers an additional 7.5 miles of electric range – at 38.5 miles altogether. What's it like?

There are two basic modes. E-mode, in which the powertrain operates exclusively on the electric motor, and Hybrid, where it chooses the best power source – petrol, electric or a combination of both. Economy also benefits from a range of fuel-saving and energy-creating measures, including trailing-throttle engine shutdown and brake-energy recuperation.

In E-mode, the plug-in Golf proves nippy, with strong torque and almost silent operation. There’s a distant hum as you get underway, but it comes from a sound-generator rather than from the electric motor, as part of new pedestrian-safety regulations mandated by the EU. Frankly, on electric power alone the Golf GTE feels more than adequately swift and responsive for city driving. And smartly, the driver can specify how much electrical energy is used through four different levels, allowing you to save electricity for later use. Should I buy one?

VW is yet to finalise the CO2 figure for the GTE, but it could be as low as 26g/km. Company-car drivers will therefore benefit handsomely from this PHEV driveline, which delivers GTI-shadowing performance and even more electric range than before.

What they and private owners will trade for such versatility and frugality is character. The new GTI has it in abundance, but the GTE is more subdued. As ever, which one to go for will come down to how well you can utilise the electrical portion of the GTE’s slick powertrain. In every other respect, it’s an extremely capable and convincing effort.

Technical specs Model tested: Golf GTE Price: ?34,000 (estimated) Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1395cc, Atkinson cycle petrol; 80kW synchronous motor Transmission: 6-spd twin-clutch automatic Model tested Golf GTE Price ?34,000 (estimated) Engine 4 cyls in line, 1395cc, Atkinson cycle petrol; 80kW synchronous motor View all specs and rivals Transmission 6-spd twin-clutch automatic Power 242bhp (combined) Electric power 94bhp Electric range 38 miles 0-62mph 6.7sec Top speed 140mph Battery size 13.0kWh Kerb weight (DIN) 1624kg Rivals Mercedes-Benz A Class A250e Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4 Power 242bhp (combined) Electric power 94bhp Electric range 38 miles 0-62mph 6.7sec Top speed 140mph Battery size 13.0kWh Kerb weight (DIN) 1624kg Rivals Mercedes-Benz A Class A250e Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4 Advertisement Share review Are you as passionate about cars as we are? Get all the best car news, reviews and opinion direct to your inbox. Subscribe to the Autocar newsletter now. Haymarket Media Group, publishers of Autocar takes your privacy seriously. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe mechanism on any email you receive from us. We will use your information to ensure you receive messages that are relevant to you. To learn more about how we use the information you provide to us please see our Full Privacy Notice. Join the debate Comments 15

xxxx For the private buyer, if you're gonna get a hot hatch 27 August 2020

Save some money and get a GTi whilst you still can, this sounds neither an environmental or fun hot hatch. Only exists because of company car tax advantages, if they were removed today this car would be removed from sale tomorrow.

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