VW Golf GTE – Alright, so there’s a midlife upgrade on the horizon for VW’s most popular hatch, the Golf, but that doesn’t mean that we’d turn down the offer of a drive of the current model – especially since it was the Golf GTE PHEV!
On paper, ‘GT Performance and miserly efficiency all crammed into a hot looking hatch’ is a winning combo and as it turned out, the GTE more than lived up to the headlines. But more on that later.
When it comes to looks, the GTE is not a million miles away from a GTI, with a sporty appeal that includes an LED Plus headlights’ dynamic design as standard and LED tail light clusters which in fairness, due to its performance, many more will see. The profile is enhanced with dynamic 18-inch Bakersfield Alloy’s and the rear is topped off with large GTE lettering below the VW badge. There are hints of blue around the exterior too, enough to give you a sense that you’re looking at something different (which you are) and of course, the extra flap on the front wing, to charge the GTE’s 13kWh battery that has the potential to carry you upto 60km in EV-only range.
The interior of the Golf GTE has been made more special too, with premium sport seats up front that feature a durable fabric in Scale Paper design. The hallmark blue accents have been brought inside too, and can be found on the leather steering wheel and floor mats.
Vdub’s all‑new digital cockpit is a highlight for those that like their tech, with the centre 10-inch Infotainment system being the control centre for most of your needs. In particular, the EV menu screen controls the GTE’s charging requirements (yes you can use the 1.4L petrol engine to charge the battery) and should a frisky drive not be your cup of tea, (in which case you’ve opted for the wrong car) you can see the Golf’s energy flow.
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto automatically connects to your Golf GTE, making every experience feel more connected and effortless. Plus, wireless charging (Qi enabled devices) will keep your smartphone charged up while on the go. I do wish to point out though, that the 6ish speaker stereo is good, but to me, lacked the oomph I was looking for.
On a positive note, driver information is crisp and clear via the 10.25-inch configurable driver display and the head-up display shows your speed, driver assist system messages and navigation instructions, even in direct sunlight.
Prior to getting behind the wheel, my assumption of the Golf GTE PHEV was that it would be a mild city dweller that would have a keen eye on saving fuel and saving the planet, but little else – I guess I’d lost focus on the GT part.
In short, the GTE is a terrier in a hatchback shell. Off the line it will spin its wheels and backs this up with a firm GTI style ride that had me attacking corners and driving like I was an adolescent me. It was a thriller, made even more so with its boost function, which has the electric motor working with the ICE engine to give you short-term access to extra torque.
The spec sheet says that the GTE has combined performance figures of 180kW and 400Nm and a 0-100km/h time that mimics a GTI, all of which I quite believe, but then it offers an on paper economy figure of 1.2L/100km and emissions of 26g/km! Of course the latter includes using the EV-only side of this hot hatch a lot, but mild mannered by day and a rebel when out of the burbs is a strong selling point.
To emphasise its ‘mild’ side, the GTE also comes with IQ.DRIVE, and travel assist where a couple of button pushes has you in full, adaptive cruise mode with a ‘front assist’ that monitors the traffic situation in front of your car, warning you when you get too close and even applying the brakes to help avoid collision, PLUS a friendly Lane Assist system that keeps you on the straight and narrow. All of which can be switched off when you go rogue.
Sure the government has slapped RUC charges on PHEVs, but seriously, I urge you to take the GTE for a spin (or just its wheels). It’s a performance Golf that’s incredibly fun to drive PLUS it’ll take you to and from work for bugger all money and even less emissions – so sure to help you sleep easy at night.
To top it all off, right now the Golf GTE Plug In Hybrid is on run out, so there’s a saving of $15k – In your face GTI. I titled this review E before I and for good reason, prove me wrong!
