Geneva 2014: Volkswagen Golf GTE

by Derek Kreindler

Published: March 4th, 2014

How about a Volkswagen Golf that emits less CO2 than a Toyota Prius and makes as much power as a GTI?

Enter the VW Golf GTE. Officially a concept for now, the GTI hits 62 mph in 7.6 seconds, thanks to its 1.4L TSI 4-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower, along with a 108 horsepower electric motor. Fuel economy is said to be 188 mpg according to European standards, along wth a 31 mile electric-only range.

#Geneva2014 #Volkswagen #VolkswagenGolfGte

Derek Kreindler

More by Derek Kreindler

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 13 comments

Heavy handle on Mar 05, 2014

Is this not just a Jetta Hybrid with a bigger battery pack? I hear it's even more fun than a GTI: a hair slower 0-60, but with a better DSG, a revvier engine and no turbo lag. I'm surprised VW waited this long to offer it in Europe.

Like Reply
Mnm4ever on Mar 05, 2014

I have a GTI and I like this actually. Sure it will not be as fast, but if they can make it fun to drive and deliver the mileage of a Prius then they could really have the perfect combination. Daily driving my car I rarely need the acceleration to 60+, mostly its 0-45 which should be entertaining enough with the electric motor. And I hate the lousy around town gas mileage, which the GTE should not experience. If my commute was under 15 miles, I could get by with not using any gas at all. 100 extra pounds will not hurt the handling so much and the tradeoff IMO is worth it.

Like Reply
- LeeK on Mar 05, 2014
  
  I also have a Mark VI GTI and am interested in this GTE as well. Zombie McQuestionbot asked last week what would interest us in a hybrid, and my response was a performance-oriented vehicle not saddled with low rolling resistance tires, no sound deadening material, and an un-engaging driver experience. We'll obviously wait for the reviews to see how the GTE concept is executed, but this would certainly catch my attention to the possibility of a hybrid for the first time ever.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

Brandon I would vote for my 23 Escape ST-Line with the 2.0L turbo and a normal 8 speed transmission instead of CVT. 250 HP, I average 28 MPG and get much higher on trips and get a nice 13" sync4 touchscreen. It leaves these 2 in my dust literally
JLGOLDEN When this and Hornet were revealed, I expected BOTH to quickly become best-sellers for their brands. They look great, and seem like interesting and fun alternatives in a crowded market. Alas, ambitious pricing is a bridge too far...
Zerofoo Modifications are funny things. I like the smoked side marker look - however having seen too many cars with butchered wire harnesses, I don't buy cars with ANY modifications. Pro-tip - put the car back to stock before you try and sell it.
JLGOLDEN I disagree with the author's comment on the current Murano's "annoying CVT". Murano's CVT does not fake shifts like some CVTs attempt, therefore does not cause shift shock or driveline harshness while fumbling between set ratios. Murano's CVT feels genuinely smooth and lets the (great-sounding V6) engine sing and zing along pleasantly.
JLGOLDEN Our family bought a 2012 Murano AWD new, and enjoyed it for 280K before we sold it last month. CVT began slipping at 230K but it was worth fixing a clean, well-cared for car. As soon as we sold the 2012, I grabbed a new 2024 Murano before the body style and powertrain changes for 2025, and (as rumored) goes to 4-cyl turbo. Sure, the current Murano feels old-school, with interior switchgear and finishes akin to a 2010 Infiniti. That's not a bad thing! Feels solid, V6 sounds awesome, and the whole platform has been around long enough that future parts & service wont be an issue.