Gold has officially become the model that offers a full range of conventional and alternative powertrains, with the addition of the 2014 VW Golf GTE plug-in hybrid. Set to make its world debut next month at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Golf GTE is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI engine that delivers 148 hp but also by an electric motor rated at 101 hp.
The electric motor takes its power from a high-voltage 8.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that weights 265 pounds and can be charged from a socket located behind the VW logo in the radiator grille. The hybrid system found on the Golf GTE delivers a total output of 201 hp and a maximum torque of 258 lb ft or 350 Nm. Using a six-speed DSG automatic transmission developed especially for hybrid vehicles, the Golf GTE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 135 mph or 217 km/h.
Fuel consumption is low as the Golf GTE needs only 1.8 liters of fuel to travel for 100 km and emits only 35 g/km of CO2 (157 mpg UK or 130 mpg US). As a result, it has a range of 940 km or 584 miles.
Using just the battery, the Golf GTE has a range of up to 50 km or 31 miles and can hit a top speed of 81 mph or 130 km/h. Regarding the design, the Golf GTE is inspired by the Golf GTI and if the GTI features the red colour, the GTE replace it with blue.
The radiator crossbar that runs into the headlights provides further sporty accents. Just like the e-Golf, the GTE comes with LED dual headlights as standard, while the turn signals, parking light and smoked numberplate lightning also use LED technology. Moreover, the car features side skirts and a roof-edge spoiler, while 16-inch wheels are offered as standard. Still, VW offers 17-inch or 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that were designed especially for this vehicle.
Inside, there is a clear relationship between the GTI and GTD. As expected, blue ambience lightning dominates the interior, while the light blue decorative seams on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, on the edges of the floormats, on the seats, and on the shifter grip are perfectly matched with the exterior features of the Golf GTE. The GTE also comes with a high-resolution 6.5-inch "Composition Media" radio system as standard, while the "Discover Pro" radio-navigation system is available as an option.
All VW Golf cars have a touchscreen. And in the VW Golf GTE, a high-resolution 6.5” Composition Media radio system comes as standard, while the Discover Pro – which is a radio-navigation system – is available as option.
Both systems are equipped with various additional functions on the Golf GTE., including a driving range monitor, zero emission statistics, an energy flow display, an e-manager, and the 360° driving range. Moreover, all GTE owners may download a free mobile app called "Volkswagen Car-Net e-Remote" to their smartphone and use it to access information and control functions.
The “energy flow display” shows the GTI’s current electric driving range, as well as indicates the car’s additional driving range potential if any auxiliary features that use up electricity are deactivated.
Meanwhile, the “e-manager” is able to program a maximum of three charging and departure times. The Golf GTE ensures the battery charge status and set temperature at a defined time. Interior heating or cooling can be activated parallel to this with the use of standard air-conditioning while the car is charging. This means that air conditioning does not affect the battery charging process and therefore extends the electric range.