SECTOR: Lower-medium   PRICE: From €36,900   FUEL: 1.5l/100km//11.4kW/100km   CO2: 39g/km

Volkswagen launched the Golf GTE earlier this year, designed to join the GT range of Golfs alongside the GTI and diesel powered GTD. The GTE brings together the familiar 150hp version of the Volkswagen Group 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine with 102hp (75kW) electric motor. Volkswagen has developed a version of the DSG six-speed dual clutch transmission for hybrid powertrains and that transmits power to the front wheels.

Using the NEDC EU driving cycle figures for hybrids, this gives misleading fuel consumption of 1.5l/100km and CO2 emissions of 39g/km. That would be good for CO2 related BiK tax regimes and low emissions zone charges and may well spark interest from some company car drivers on that basis alone. Use the combined power of the two motors and performance is brisk, with the car reaching 100km/h from rest in 7.6 sec. Under electric power alone, Volkswagen claims a range of 50km.

The battery can be charged from a domestic power point taking 3 hours 45 minutes if the battery is completely discharged. Using a wall box or public charging station, the time is reduced to 2 hours 15 minutes. However, there is no rapid charging facility for the Golf GTE, which makes it less attractive as an alternative to a diesel powered vehicle for long distance use.

To exploit the possibilities for the car, it is equipped with five operating modes: E-mode, GTE mode, Battery Hold, Battery Charge and Hybrid Auto. These may be familiar from the Audi A3 e-tron, but the Golf has an additional function that the Audi does not have. If the driver pulls the gearshift back from ‘D’ to ‘B’, the amount of regenerative braking can be adjusted.

E-mode gives electric power only, the default setting when the car is switched on. Using Battery Hold mode, the electric range can be saved for city driving, leaving the car operating only on petrol. GTE mode is a sport mode, engaging both motor and engine for maximum performance, while accelerator pedal, gearbox and steering are also switched into a sportier mode. Hybrid Auto helps to minimise fuel consumption from the petrol engine and battery charge uses power from the engine to recharge the lithium ion battery.

The Golf GTE is well equipped with features including LED headlights with dark red LED lights at the rear, 16-inch alloy wheels, “GT” trim and the “Composition Media” radio system with a 6.5-inch display.

As you might expect, it is a very well thought out package that feels in many respects like the Golf GTI or GTD. The mode selector is simple to understand and use and with careful driving, will deliver good fuel consumption. For drivers who commute over short distances, it should be possible to cover most driving under electric power alone. It is arguably the most sophisticated Golf available and is a pleasure to drive. I can’t help feeling that the lack of a rapid charge facility is unfortunate.

What we think:

The Golf GTE is a feast for the tech savvy and a very good car to drive too. How well it will be received by fleet users remains to be seen.