The Golf->ke164 lineup is one of the most versatile in the world. If you take all of the engines available, you'll find that it has gasoline, diesel->ke1917, CNG and electric->ke1030 models available in the global market, but there are still some holes to fill, according to VW. These holes include the plug-in hybrid segment and the fuel cell market.

Well, the former will be filled as of the 2014 Geneva Auto Show->ke228 -- the fuel cell variant is still in development -- as Volkswagen has prepared the Golf GTE, which is a plug-in hybrid that bridges the GTI and e-Golf. Volkswagen->ke94 built this bridge by taking small elements from both the e-Golf and Golf GTI, and tossing them all into the GTE model.

This little German hatchback is ready to put the world on notice, most notably the BMW i3, that the time is now to start developing new technology.

So, does the GTE live up to all its hype, or is it simply another sub-par plug-in hybrid that has no rear benefits? Click past the jump to read more about the Golf GTE and find out what I think.

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTE

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTE
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201
  • Torque: 258
  • Transmission: Six-Speed DSG
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Volkswagen's goal when designing the Golf GTE was to merge the signature elements of the e-Golf and Golf GTI into one model, and it did just that. The e-Golf signatures are made clear through the C-shaped daytime running lights, dual LED headlights, and LED taillights, parking lights and turn signals. From the GTI, the Golf GTE borrowed all of the colored highlights on the body, but instead of being red like the GTI, they are blur on the GTE. It also takes its side skirts and roof-edge spoiler from its GTI cousin.

The only part of the exterior that is specific to the GTI -- except the blue highlights -- are the aluminum-alloy wheels. These wheels come standard in 16 inches, but 17- and 18-inch wheels are optional.

Interior

On the inside, the GTE takes more cues from the GTI with highlight stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift knob, floor mats and seats in blue -- the GTI's stitching is red. The GTE also gains ambient lighting in blue to tie it all together. The rest of the interior is pretty much run-of-the-mill Golf, with exception of the touchscreen.

The GTE comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen "Composition Media" radio, but you can upgrade to the "Discover Pro" audio and navigation system for a fee. These systems work just like any other Golf, but they also feature a slew of other functions that are specific to the GTE, like driving range monitor, energy flow display, zero-emissions statistics, e-manager and 360-degree driving range (with navigation only).

The energy flow display shows the flow of electricity in and out when accelerating and braking. Blue arrows indicate you are expelling energy and green arrows indicate you are recharging -- through regenerative braking, for example. The e-manager feature allows you to set predetermined time for the battery to charge or come up to operating temperature for maximum range. Additionally, it allows you to pre-warm or cool the car while it is plugged in. 360-degree range shows you the electric-only range of the car via the navigation system in the form of a circle on the map. Lastly, the power meter shows you the amount of power leaving the battery, the intensity of the regenerative braking and electric driving range.

Overall, I have to tip my hat to VW for going simple with the GTE, and not loading it up with too much useless stuff.

Drivetrain

Under its hood, the GTE is a perfect blend of thrifty plug-in hybrid and sports hatchback. On the gas-burning side, there is a 1.4-liter TSI engine that cranks up 148 horsepower, and on the electric side is a 101-horsepower electric motor that is inside the transmission. Combining the gas engine and electric motor nets the Golf GTE a total output of 201 ponies and 258 pound-feet of twist, which is one horsepower 51 pound-feet more than the Golf GTI. All of this power is routed through a six-speed GSG trans that VW specially tuned for hybrid vehicles.

With both propulsion systems on full-go, the Gold GTE leaps top 62 mph in just 7.6 seconds -- roughly 7.4 seconds to 60 mph -- and up to 135 mph. The 0-to-60 time is about 1.2 seconds slower than the GTI, but remember that the battery and electronics make the GTI about 260 pounds heavier than the GTI -- 3,116 pounds to 3,360 pounds

When you cut it all in half and run on electric only, the top speed drops to 81 mph. On electricity alone, the GTE can travel up to 31 miles and its combined range is an outlandish 584 miles, netting it 130 MPGe.

Powering the electric motor is an 8.8 kW lithium-ion battery that takes just 3 to 3.5 hours to charge from a conventional plug, or 2.5 hours on a charging station of wall box charger.

Gasoline engine

Four-cylinder 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged

Gasoline output

148 HP

Electric output

101 HP

Combined output

201 HP

Combined Torque

258 lbs-ft

Top speed

135 mph

0 to 62 mph

7.6 seconds

Electric range

31 miles

Overall range

584 miles

Fuel economy

130 mpg


Prices

There is no mention of pricing, nor is there any mention of the GTE making it to the U.S. We will see the debut in Geneva, and will likely learn a little more then.

Competition

Toyota Prius Plug-In

To put the Prius Plug-In as a competitor to the GTE is a tough one, but it is as close as we can think of. At just 134 horsepower, the Prius can't come close to hanging with the GTE, and its look it really dated. Add to that a $29,000 starting price, and I say wait to see where the GTE's price comes in at.

Ford Focus Electric

The Focus Electric is getting a little closer to ten GTE's class, but still it only has 143 horsepower and takes nearly 10 seconds to hit 60 mph. It's looks are certainly more in line with the GTE too.

BMW i3

The i3 is a bit of a wildcard here, as its base price of $42,275 will likely be much higher than the Golf GTE, but it does match up with it in terms of performance and drivetrain. Under the i3's hood is a 125 kW electric motor that cranks out 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This'll launch the luxo-hatch to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds and up to 93 mph. The i3 has a range of 80 to 100 miles and takes just three hours to charge. You can also opt for a two-cylinder generator to help extend the i3's range.

Conclusion

I wear my love for hybrids and EVs on my sleeve, but only for ones that perform well. The Volkswagen GTE is certainly one that I am already falling in love with. I can only hope that it makes its way to the U.S., and retains all of the awesomeness that Volkswagen released today.