2015 VW Golf GTE Hybrid - fossils and electricity in perfect harmony [Review]
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2015
- Full review at www.redferret.net/?p=50401 . The new 2015 VW Golf GTE is a marriage between electric motor power and a hot hatchback soul, and the result, whilst not massively exciting is definitely fun enough to make eco citizens happy as they save carbon and collect the shopping.
Outwardly there's very little to differentiate the GTE from any other current Golf, except for little blue badges and some headlamp detailing. Even inside, you have to look hard at the dash to spot the small battery gauge nestled in with the tacho. But the car definitely drives like an electric, although without the instant throttle response you get from something like a Nissan Leaf.
In fact the whole experience of driving the GTE can be summed up in the single word - reassuringly familiar. Wait, is that two words?
It purrs along like a true EV in electric mode (with up to 31 theoretical miles of range, more like 25+ in reality) and when you need the extra oomph or miles, the 1.4 liter petrol motor kicks in to get you there, with no fuss or muss. It's very pleasant.
Traditional Golf fans will also be reassured by the lack of compromise on the legendary family practicality of the car. The hatch gives access to a decent sized storage area, the seat room is great, wide opening doors, the whole 9 yards. And of course if you only use it for short journeys and keep it topped up from the mains power socket, you're going to be driving around for almost no cost. Certainly no fuel cost.
Conclusion. A great marriage of modern eco friendly battery power and traditional petrol engined sportiness, means that this new hybrid should please many potential buyers. It may not match the total 'Hot' hatch designation, but it's definitely warm enough for most people, and really that's what counts.
Price: (as tested) £36,995 before government grant.
Full review at www.redferret.net/?p=50401
I live 10 miles away from work. I could do the daly commute in e mode and still have a hot(ish) hatch on the weekends. I approve.
A few comments come to mind: First, what could possibly lead you to choose battery hold mode in the city? If you don't use the e-mode in the city, where would you use it? The whole point of this car is to use the ICE as little as possible, especially on short trips!
The battery pack is under the rear seat.
Thanks for the dashboard computer review, just what i wanted to see, Im currently driving a 2012 bmw 1 series sport but i want my next car to be a hybrid so i got my eye on this car as the best choice for me.
Is it available in U.S.? What cost?
Great review, I actually have a GTE and have the NAV system in it, you can input post codes but it will take AGES to find the little button to do it! -.-
Excellent review, I felt welcomed by your attitude to wanting to maximise your experience by making use of the technology available to you. That park assist was pretty cool as well, I heard it also works for bay parking, so I'm curious to see how that plays out. Despite its bold claim of 166mpg, what are you getting, something like 50-60?
Those transitions...
Question regarding gte mode. What sort of range and mpg could you expect if the car is always driven in gte mode?
Discharged??
What would you recommend as a great hybrid car for the working class mind you lool
Is this car reliable or it’s spends most of its life at dealers getting repaired like the mk7 gti
Did the auto park hit the curb?
June 2019
Your review is the best GTE review. I'm soooo buying this car. And you got the colour i wanted im so jealous.
What depresses me is why this is happening only now, and why Toyota had the game pretty much all to themselves for almost two decades. I guess it has something to do with patents expiring or more favourable licensing fees.
uk roads give me anxiety
"the result, whilst not massively exciting is definitely fun enough to make eco citizens happy as they save carbon and collect the shopping." Great car but consider an e-Golf and charge with clean electricity: sorted.
No comment in this review relating to the ACC system as you stated??
Excellent review. Call me an old cynic but, I feel the car manufacturers are using joe public to do their development work for them, unpaid.