The original Volkswagen Golf GTE has been discontinued, but the plug-in hybrid hatchback will return as part of the new Mk8 Golf range. Our photos show examples of the Mk8 that have been seen testing completely undisguised, in advance of the car's launch at the end of this year. The new GTE will be the most efficient Golf in the range when it goes on sale in early 2020, as there won’t be a successor to the all-electric e-Golf. That will effectively be replaced by the Volkswagen I.D. Although Volkswagen is pouring huge resources into its electric-car project, it still expects the Golf to be its core product for some years to come. The Mk8 model will be based on the same mechanical underpinnings as the current 'Mk7.5' car, but will shed 70kg of weight. In addition to the plug-in hybrid GTE model, the Mk8 Golf range will boast extensive electrification, with many of the other engines in the range getting mild hybrid technology. This is a 48V electrical system that allows the engine to turn off at any speed when not under load, thereby saving fuel and reducing the car’s CO2 emissions. These spy pictures indicate that the new Golf will be longer than its predecessor, and at the front it shares some styling cues with the most recent Volkswagen Polo. Inside, the new Golf will feature extensive connectivity and autonomous-driving technology, with the entire dashboard and instrument panel expected to be digital across the entire range.
The Golf is a car that’s compact, great to handle and fun to drive. The biggest difference lies in what’s produced by the powertrain, which only generates 134 hp. On the other hand, the 214 lb-ft of torque available at a stop is quite impressive. We did note that applying too much pressure on the pedal is enough to cause the front end to slide. And while it’s undeniable that my heart still lies with the manual-transmission Golf GTI, it has to be said that the e-Golf is a ton of fun to drive day-in, day-out. Acceleration is peppy, the noise level as mentioned is really low, and road grip is quite good for a car running on low rolling resistance tires. If your heart so wishes, you can even choose from different drive modes. The promise of merrily driving by gas stations without ever paying a visit, and the exceptional road handling it delivers, should pretty much guarantee that the e-Golf will sell like hotcakes. The reality is, though, that questions regarding the electric energy persist in the minds of consumers. Many are still scared off by the range, or by the time it takes to recharge the battery, or even by the price tag. 38,660 in our tester’s configuration), putting it beyond the reach of buyers on a tight budget. 14,000 in Ontario, for example), and the e-Golf suddenly becomes a more interesting proposition.
How far can you drive in a 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf? Gas prices. The topic comes up in small talk almost as often as the weather. Here in LA county, we tend to be hit particularly hard when it comes to cost, so it only makes sense for us to be more interested in electric vehicle technology than other places across the U.S. The good news is we have more charging stations available here than other places across the country, and more being built every day. Still, charging takes longer than simply filling up on gas, so you’re probably wondering how far can you drive in a 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf. We’ll look into distance per charge and factors that can increase your mileage. One of the first numbers everyone looks at when researching electric cars, such as the 2015 VW e-Golf, is fuel efficiency ratings. You’ll find the e-Golf gets a stellar 126 city/105 highway MPGe rating.
