The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been setting the standard for hot hatchbacks since 1976; and it now has the chance to pave the way for a new generation of plug-in hybrid hot hatches with the announcement of the forthcoming Golf GTE.
With a lawsuit from Vauxhall likely imminent, the GTE moniker stands for 'GT Electric' and has been designed to join both the GTI and GTD at the top end of the Golf range. Under the bonnet is the combination of a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine developing 150hp, and a 100hp electric motor; bringing total maximum available output to 205hp. This setup is the same one fitted to the new Audi A3 e-tron that's also scheduled to hit showrooms later this year.
Utilising a bespoke dual-clutch gearbox, the GTE has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 217km/h. Volkswagen also says that the GTE can run solely on electric power for up to 50 kilometres, giving a combined fuel economy figure of 188.3mpg and an emissions figure of just 35g/km.
Anything else?
Power for the electric motor comes from an 8.8kWh battery pack that helps to give an electric-only top speed of 81mph. The batteries are stored under the rear bench seat in place of the Golf's fuel tank.