Charged-Up Golf

The petrol-electric hybrid Golf has the pace of a hot hatch and the fuel-saving grace of an econo-hatch.

- Shreejit Changaroth

THE fact that Volkswagen’s hybrid Golf wears a “GTE” badge suggests it is a member of the performance-oriented family together with the GTI and GTD. The Golf GTE’s hybrid powertrain comprises a petrol turbo engine and an electric motor, and my drive impressions suggest that the badge is well-deserved.

The current Mk 7 Golfs were recently given an update, or rather, a cosmetic makeover. There are new LED lights front and rear, plus restyled bumpers, while the cabin has received the latest version of VW’s infotainment system for those who expect the latest technology for their in-dash “tablet”.

The VW designers have given the GTE a sporty front grille with finned intakes that you normally find on the GTI, plus a bespoke blue trim line that runs along the lower edge of the grille and continues into the headlights.

The central VW logo remains, only this one flips open to reveal the electric socket of the external charging plug. Yes, this is a plug-in hybrid.