• Volkswagen Golf GTE for Geneva launch

    by  • February 21, 2014 • Motoring News

    Pin It
    2014 Volkswagen Golf GTE exterior front right dynamic

    Motorists can choose to drive the Volkswagen Golf GTE in electric mode only

    Volkswagen says its new Golf plug-in hybrid is a ‘a zero-emission and long-distance vehicle all in one’.

    The German car company describes the new Golf GTE as ‘combining electric mobility and the dynamics of the GTI idea’.

    The car has a 1.4 TSI 150ps petrol engine along with a 75kW/102 PS electric one.

    Relying on the electric engine alone, it can achieve speeds of 130kph and has a range of 50km. Boosted by the petrol engine, it can travel from 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 217kph. Utilising the petrol engine extends the range to 939km.

    Volkswagen says the car can be charged in 3.5 hours from an ordinary domestic mains outlet or in around 2.5 hours from a home wall box or public charging station.

    In urban settings, drivers can choose to only use the electric motor by switching into e-mode. This has a maximum range of 50kph, depending on charge and drive conditions.

    It can also be switched to the eponymous GTE mode, which, Volkswagen says, offers a sportier drive.

    LED lights and the Composition Media touch screen infotainment system are standard.

    The latter includes electric mode information such as the drive range monitor, zero emission statistics and an energy flow display, which shows you how the car is being powered.

    Meanwhile, upgrade to the optional Discover Pro radio navigation system and you also get 360° driving range, which shows you on a map how far you can travel in electric mode in any direction on a one way trip. It also displays charge points and allows you to calculate them into your journey.

    The Volkswagen Golf GTE will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It’s due for worldwide release in the autumn. An Irish date has yet to be announced. Prices and specifications will be revealed closer to launch.

    Visit the Volkswagen Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.