VOLTSWAGEN (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volkswagengolfgte_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Volkswagen's original plug-in model, the Golf GTE, gets smarter and more frugal with this updated version of the second generation model. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 67

The improved version of Volkswagen's second generation Golf GTE continues to offer a more dynamic, if rather pricey, take on Plug-in Hybrid technology, combining sporty styling and pokey petrol power along with real world battery range and frugality. The idea is to deliver GTI responsiveness along with ID.3-style EV sustainability. If Volkswagen has done just that, then this could very well be the ultimate all-round family hatch.

Backgroundword count: 135

Hybrid cars used to be dull, compromised, soul-less things. In buying one, you sacrificed driving enjoyment for eco-minded technology and positioned yourself amongst smug, green-minded folk. It isn't like that any more - or at least it doesn't need to be, according at least to this car, Volkswagen's Golf GTE. This second generation model, originally launched early in 2020, succeeded an original Golf GTE that was one of the market's very first Plug-in Hybrids when it was first announced back in late-2014. This replacement's key change was a 13.0kWh lithium-ion battery twice as large, which usefully extended the WLTP-rated all-electric driving range to 40 miles. In mid-2024, Volkswagen further updated this powertrain, installing an even larger 19.7kWh battery that more than doubled EV range. And it's that smarter, botter-connected Golf GTE we look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 290

The GTE is the faster of the two Golf PHEV variants. Instead of the 204PS powertrain you get in the lesser eHybrid, there's a punchier 272PS set-up here. Otherwise though, the powerplant's pretty much the same between the two cars, uprated as part of this MK8 Golf's mid-term facelift from 1.4 to 1.5-litres in size and embellished with a much larger 19.7kWh battery (up from 13.0kWh before). That's provided for a much longer EV driving range of 82 miles for this GTE (only 7 miles less than the eHybrid). So for suburban driving, you really could use this Golf PHEV much like an EV. As before with the GTE, drive is via a 6-speed DSG dual clutch auto gearbox and there's sprightly performance - 62mph from rest now takes 6.6s en route to 143mph. The all-electric top speed is 80mph. The PHEV system's operation is much as before. When the battery is sufficiently charged, the GTE always starts in its all-electric E-MODE, switching to the alternative 'Hybrid' mode only if the energy capacity of the battery drops below a certain level or the vehicle's speed rises above 80mph. As before, the driver has the option to 'save' battery charge for urban driving later in any trip. Once you've entered in a navigation destination, the battery manager (using so-called 'Predictive Hybrid Control') can predictively take into account road and topographical GPS data to ensure the most efficient use of the available driving range. Through the turns, a driving dynamics control system known as the 'Vehicle Dynamics manager' controls the XDS torque vectoring system and the optional DCC adaptive chassis control adjustable dampers to achieve significant perceived difference between the feel of the car in its comfort and more sportily-orientated drive settings.

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