Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid performer (pictures)
The plug-in hybrid Golf GTE is the third GT in the Golf model series, following turbocharged GTI and turbodiesel GTD.
Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
The plug-in hybrid GTE is the third GT in the Golf model series, following turbocharged GTI and turbodiesel GTD.
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Outside of the engine bay, the GTE's suspension upgrades are similar to those of the standard GTI.
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The GTE also features a different front bumper from the standard Golf.
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Under the hood, you'll find two engines. On the left is the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and on the right is the electric motor.
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The gasoline engine is good for 148 horsepower and the electric motor contributes 101 horsepower.
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Calculating total maximum power isn't as simple as adding the two numbers and is stated at 201 horsepower. That's similar to that of the standard 2014 GTI's 2.0-liter turbo.
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Maximum torque is a different matter, topping out a 258 pound-feet. That's about 50 more pound-feet of torque than the standard 2014 GTI.
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The hatchback features blue GTE badging and accents.
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The standard wheels are 16-inch aerodynamic rollers with 17 and 18-inchers as optional upgrades.
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The GTE also stands out from the GTI and GTD where fuel economy is concerned, earning a European cycle estimate of 157 mpg. That very roughly translates to about 130 US mpg, though the testing cycles are not identical.
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The Golf GTE can be driven up to 31 miles in all-electric mode before the 1.4-liter gasoline engine needs to wake up and get to work.
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Inside, the GTE will look familiar to anyone who's ever peeked into a GTI's cabin.
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Power makes its way to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG automatic transmission that was developed specifically for hybrid vehicles and integrates the electric motor.
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The twin-gauge instrumentation features a special hybrid system meter in place of the standard tachometer.
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A flat-bottomed steering wheel with blue stitching integrates buttons for controlling the infotainment, paddles for the DSG, and a GTE badge.
