VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Wolfsburg gives the lesser-known Golf PHEV a big-impact refresh

The facelifted Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf has already been the subject of a group test (1.5 eTSI 150) and a full road test (GTI) but, since the car's chief mission was to correct the shortcomings of the flawed Mk8, you could say we're still waiting to appreciate where its biggest gains have been made.

But there's a good chance that we're about to. Because no derivative of this car has been more widely overhauled than the new Golf eHybrid. Powered by a second-generation version of the Volkswagen Group's four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, this Golf has taken significant technical and functional strides. With adoption of electric cars still not widespread, it sits in a unique position, being the first plug-in hybrid hatchback that we have tested in the 5% benefitin-kind company car tax bracket.

That special status won't endure, with the same powertrain heading to MQB Evo platform siblings from the Seat Leon to the Cupra Formentor. For now, though, it should be an effective fleet sales lever, as VW seeks to return the Golf to the top of Europe's sales ranks.

DESIGN & ENGINEERING
PROS Class-topping, tax-busting electric range; DC rapid-charge compatibility; little compromise to cabin packaging or weight
CONS You will need to turn to a GTE if you want hot hatch-level power

This car's hybrid system has already been rolled out on the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat, but its potential is only now being fully realised on something as small and light as a regular hatchback.

The packaging challenges inherent to PHEVs in this class have meant only few have so far managed more than 40 miles of electric range, thereby avoiding BIK tax of 12%. But the Golf eHybrid's official electric range of 88 miles allows it to be taxed at 5% (quite close, even, to the 2% levied on EVs).