Trevor Ng
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that was first launched in 2014 as a sportier alternative to the fully electric e-Golf. It is a popular choice for those seeking a powerful car with environmental benefits. However, with a starting price of £40,140, is the Golf GTE worth it? This paragraph will explore the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of the Golf GTE to help you decide if it is the right electric vehicle for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | £40,140 RRP |
| Engine | 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine |
| Electric Motor | 108bhp; 109bhp |
| Power Output | 242bhp; 268bhp; 272bhp |
| Boot Space | 273-275 litres |
| Fuel Economy | 35-40 mpg |
| Electric Range | 30-40 miles |
| Warranty | 8-year battery warranty |
| Interior | Leather steering wheel, heated seats, LED ambient lighting, 12.9-inch infotainment display |
| Exterior | Blue trim, honeycomb-design front grille, illuminated VW badge |
| Performance | 0-62 mph in 6.6-6.7 seconds |
| Tax | Lower tax for hybrids |
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What You'll Learn
Performance and pricing
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 bhp and 184 lb-ft of torque. When combined with its 109 bhp electric motor, the total power output is 242 bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GTE can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is slightly slower than the Golf GTI due to its heavier battery. The GTE has a front-wheel-drive configuration and a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The GTE has an official electric range of up to 40 miles, although real-world usage may result in a range of around 30 miles. The battery warranty for the GTE is eight years, and it can be charged using a standard 3-pin plug, which takes approximately four hours for a full charge.
In terms of pricing, the GTE is positioned as a step up from the R-Line trim level, offering additional features such as a sporty heated leather steering wheel, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and LED ambient lighting. The infotainment system has been updated with a 12.9-inch display and improved software. The GTE also comes with traditional tartan seat centres in grey and white, wireless smartphone charging, four USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The recommended retail price (RRP) for the Volkswagen Golf GTE is £40,140, although discounts and savings can be found through various dealers. When considering the price, it's important to factor in the potential savings on fuel costs, especially if your daily commute allows you to utilise the electric mode efficiently. Additionally, the GTE may offer lower taxes due to its hybrid nature, making it a more affordable option in certain regions or for company cars.
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Electric range
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 bhp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This is connected to a six-speed DSG gearbox and a 109 bhp electric motor. The combination of the engine and electric motor results in a peak output of 242 bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The battery is a 13 kWh unit, which offers an official WLTP range of just under 40 miles on electric power alone. However, in reality, a range of around 30 miles is more achievable.
The electric range of the Golf GTE is a key consideration when determining its overall value. While the ability to drive on electric power alone can provide significant fuel cost savings, it is important to be realistic about the range. If your commute is close to the maximum electric range, you may not be able to complete it without the petrol engine kicking in, reducing the potential financial benefits.
The GTE's electric mode offers a smooth driving experience, with good acceleration and regenerative braking, enhancing the overall efficiency of the vehicle. The electric range is sufficient for shorter trips and city driving, where the ability to utilise EV charging bays and take advantage of lower taxes for hybrids can be particularly advantageous.
However, it is important to note that the large battery does impact the boot space, reducing it to 273-275 litres, which is significantly less than the 381 litres offered by the non-PHEV Golf. Additionally, the weight of the battery affects the overall performance, with some reviewers noting that the GTE feels less lively and responsive than the GTI, particularly under heavier acceleration and when cornering.
Overall, the electric range of the Golf GTE can be a significant advantage for those seeking to reduce fuel costs and take advantage of the benefits offered to hybrid vehicles. However, it is crucial to consider your typical journey lengths and ensure that you have access to charging options at home or work to maximise the benefits of the electric range.
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Interior and exterior design
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a sporty silhouette and a touch of electrified flair in its exterior design. It features a blue trim, with a blue bar sweeping across the bonnet from headlight to headlight, and GTE badging beneath the mirrors and on the boot lid. Each GTE comes with a honeycomb-design front grille, a front light bar, and an illuminated VW badge. It is front-wheel drive and has a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.
The interior of the Golf GTE offers a mix of improvements and exclusive design details over the standard Volkswagen Golf. The quality of the materials, such as soft plastics, is good. The GTE comes with heated 'sports comfort' seats as standard, featuring Jacara checked cloth in a blue and white design. The leather-wrapped steering wheel now features physical buttons instead of the previously maligned touchpad interface. The ambient lighting has 30 different colour settings, and the car includes tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and four USB ports (two in the front and two in the back).
The Golf GTE features a 12.9-inch infotainment display with an improved interface and controls. This display will be upgraded with Chat GPT artificial intelligence software, allowing the car to converse with the driver. The boot space in the GTE is reduced to 273 litres due to the accommodation of the large battery and associated electronics.
Overall, the Golf GTE's exterior and interior designs offer a blend of sporty styling, improved equipment levels, and exclusive design details, creating a modern and technologically advanced driving experience.
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Reliability and warranty
While the Volkswagen Golf GTE is generally considered reliable, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to its reliability and warranty. Firstly, let's talk about reliability. Some users have reported that the GTE is a reliable car, with no known issues. One user with a 2021 GTE mentioned that most of their journeys could be completed on electric power alone, resulting in low fuel consumption.
However, it's important to note that the GTE has a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which may impact its reliability in the long run. The weight of the battery and the need for regular charging can affect the overall reliability of the vehicle. Additionally, the GTE may not offer the same level of driving dynamics as a GTI, with some users noting that it feels less fun and willing to perform.
Now, let's discuss the warranty. While I couldn't find specific information on the overall warranty for the Golf GTE, it appears that the battery warranty is a key consideration. One source mentioned that the battery warranty for the GTE was eight years. Batteries tend to have a limited lifespan, so it's important to factor in the cost of replacement and how long they typically last.
Additionally, the GTE may come with certain standard warranties offered by Volkswagen. These could include warranties on specific components, such as the powertrain or the battery, but further research is needed to confirm the exact details of these warranties.
It's always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of any warranty offered by the manufacturer or dealer to understand what is covered and for how long. This can provide peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about the reliability and warranty coverage of the Volkswagen Golf GTE.
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Practicality and boot space
The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a practical everyday hatch. It has decent space for four and occasional room for five. However, boot space is compromised by the hybrid batteries. The rear boot size is slightly compromised as the HV battery occupies the space the fuel tank would, so the fuel tank is below the boot. As a result, the boot floor is about 5 cm higher than a standard Golf, and there is no space for a space-saving spare tyre. The GTE offers 273 litres of boot space, down from the 381 litres of the non-PHEV Golf.
The GTE is a good option for those who want to complete most of their journeys on electric alone. However, it is important to consider the long-term ownership costs, factoring in the journey types and mileage. If you don't have somewhere to charge the car at home, it may not be the best option as you will need to factor in the cost of charging. Additionally, the GTE may not be the best option if you regularly have two adults sitting in the back.
The GTE has a range of standard equipment, including wireless smartphone charging, four USB ports (two in the front and two in the back), sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features heated "sports comfort" seats with Jacara checked cloth in a blue and white design, and ambient lighting with 30 different colour settings.
The GTE has a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 148 bhp and 184 lb ft of torque. That's connected to a six-speed DSG gearbox and a 109 bhp electric motor. When both combine their powers, you end up with a peak of 242 bhp and 295 lb ft of torque. The official WLTP range from the battery is around 40 miles, but a more realistic estimate is around 30 miles.
The GTE is a capable cruiser, but it is not as fun to drive as the GTI. It is a good option for those who want a powerful car with a nice trim level and are willing to compromise on the boot space.
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Frequently asked questions
No, if you can't regularly charge it, then don't bother with the GTE.
The GTE is not as fun to drive as the GTI. It is slower and less willing to turn. However, the GTE has more power than the GTI and is more environmentally friendly.
The electric range of the Golf GTE is around 30-40 miles.
The RRP of the Golf GTE is £40,140. A used 2016 model can be found for around £15,000.
The Golf GTE has less boot space than the non-hybrid Golf. The battery takes up space in the boot, and there is no room for a space-saving spare tyre. The fuel tank is also smaller at 40L.
