Geneva 2014: Volkswagen Golf GTE

by Derek Kreindler

March 4th, 2014 8:12 PM

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

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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.

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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.

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- 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.
  
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