Volkswagen Golf GTE Euro Spec charge station

Volkswagen Golf GTE Euro Spec front three quarter 02

In acceleration testing, the Golf GTE recorded a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, much quicker than VW's estimate of 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The Euro-market hatch completed the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 96.5 mph. Compared to the GTI, the GTE is half a second slower to 60 and 0.3 second slower in the quarter mile. Although there aren't any sporty hybrid hatchbacks to compare it to, the GTE is about as quick as a Honda Civic Si coupe with the six-speed manual, which posted an identical 0-60 time and a 15-second quarter mile.

Our car came with a good deal of tech as well as performance. Volkswagen's lane assist system does a good job of keeping the car in its lane but is very particular about the driver maintaining a firm grip on the wheel at all times. If your hand is only lightly holding onto the wheel, get ready to be scolded with a loud, shrill chime and a message telling you to take over steering. The radar-based adaptive cruise control works well, adjusting the car's speed smoothly and reacting quickly to cars in front. Our tester also had attention assist, which was able to detect when I was getting tired and recommend that I take a break. It was impressive and also a little bit freaky.

It isn't exactly the electrified version of the GTI, but the GTE still offers more than decent performance for a car you can plug in and drive exclusively on battery power for most of your commute. It wouldn't wash away VW's emissions-cheating sins, but assuming it's priced right and the charging experience is as user-friendly as other plug-ins, the Golf GTE would be a welcome addition to the U.S. Golf lineup.

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTE (European Spec)
BASE PRICE	$33,000 (est)
PRICE AS TESTED	$33,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE	1.4L/148-hp/184-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 plus 101-hp/125-lb-ft front electric motor; 201-hp/258 lb-ft combined
TRANSMISSION	6-speed twin-clutch auto.
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3,481 lb (57/43%)
WHEELBASE	103.5 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	168.1 x 70.5 x 57.0 in
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec
QUARTER MILE	14.9 sec @ 96.5 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	109 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.89 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	25.9 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	Not yet rated
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	80/70 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.44 lb/mile*
EPA EV RANGE	31 miles (est)
*Charge-sustaining mode