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Battery Golf GTI for Geneva

Volkswagen gives us a sneak peek of its new electric GTI, the Golf GTE, headed for the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. According to VW: “The Golf GTE is a new plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback that combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.”

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTE

The name of the Golf GTE reflects its position in the line-up alongside the iconic petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD -  Where ‘GT’ stands for ‘Gran Tourismo’, ‘I’ for ‘Injection’, ‘D’ for Diesel and ‘E’ for Electricity.

POWER

The Golf GTE is driven by two engines (a 1.4-litre TSI petrol and an electric motor, for a total output of 150kW/350Nm.

The electric motor enables the GTE to reach speeds of 130km/h, while the TSI is capable of rocketing the hatchback from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds to a top speed of 217km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 1.5 litres/100km with emissions of 35g/km and a driving range of around 933km between refuels.

In electric mode, the Golf GTE can travel up to 50km. The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in approximately three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox.

The battery weighs 120kg, giving the GTE a total kerbweight of 1 520kg.

The GTE uses a six-speed DSG with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles.

The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger.  An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning.

DESIGN TWEAKS

Visually, the Golf GTE combines elements of the e-Golf and the GTI. 

The front bumper features C-shaped LEDs, like those on the e-Golf, as well as aerodynamic horizontal “fins” from the GTI. The GTE sports red accents instead of the traditional GTI red, including  the radiator grille and the headlights. 

The headlights, along with all lights on the GTE, are LEDs. The Golf GTE is available in four-door bodystyle only.

Inside, it has blue highlights on the steering wheel, gear lever and seats, as well as a blue stripe in the tartan pattern sports seats.  The 20cm Discover Pro satnav with DAB radio and Bluetooth is standard.

The GTE will also feature an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating.  These functions can also be operated remotely using the Volkswagen Car-Net app via a smartphone.

The vehicle speedometer and tachometer are the same as the GTI though the latter is supplemented by a power meter in the central display, which shows the status of the battery.

Full details including pricing will be available when the new Golf GTE opens for ordering in the UK in late August 2014.
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