VW Golf GTE - a hybrid with an athlete's gene
When the limited-edition Golf GTI hit the market in 1976, no one thought it would appeal to buyers so much that the Gran Turismo Injection would become a permanent feature of Volkswagen's offering. Six generations and nearly forty years later, the GTI/GTD duo is joined by a younger eco-brother, the GTE.
Above average performance and a more racialized look is probably the easiest way to explain what sets the GTI and GTD models apart from the Golf lineup. A first look at the Golf Hybrid suggests that the GTE is the perfect fit. Just take a look at its front end, which combines Golf GT and e-Golf features. The most distinguishing features here are the C-shaped LED daytime running lights, the GTE badge and the blue stripe on the grille. The trained eye will also notice that the round VW logo on the grille protrudes slightly. All this thanks to the connector for charging the battery hidden under it.
The dynamic silhouette is complemented by 16", 17" or 18" wheels specially designed for this model. The rear of the car is distinguished by LED lights and dual chrome exhaust. All this is reminiscent of the GTI, except that instead of the ubiquitous red, we are dealing here with blue. And blue, according to VW, is the color of electromobility. Toyota too. I wonder if we will witness a patent war following the example of Samsung and Apple? Especially since VW is entering a field where Toyota has so far reigned supreme.
The interior of the GTE is also inspired by the GT models. Distinctive bucket seats wrapped in blue checkered fabric, a flattened three-spoke steering wheel and blue trim are the first thing that catches the eye. Aluminum apps, black headlining and ambient lighting, and a 6,5-inch touchscreen Composition Media infotainment system are standard. We can say that Volkswagen, following the example of other manufacturers, does not save on the basic configuration of its hybrid. This is what pleases me, because the prices for this type of car are not cheap.
Under the hood of the Golf GTE are two power units. The first is a 1.4 TSI turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection with 150 hp. (250 Nm). It works with a 102 hp electric motor. (330 Nm of maximum torque). The system output of this tandem is 204 hp, which is quite respectable for a compact car with hot hatch aspirations.
The Golf GTE's electric motor is powered by an 8,7 kWh high-voltage battery located in the floor in front of the rear seat. Thanks to this solution, the amount of space in the passenger compartment and in the luggage compartment is not limited. The car, however, is significantly heavier than the two-seater version with a gasoline engine, almost 250 kg.
The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery consists of eight modules, each containing twelve high-voltage electronics cells. Together they give a voltage of 250 to 400 V, depending on the level of charge. Volkswagen gives a battery warranty of eight years or 160. kilometers. Unfortunately, we have not received information about the possible replacement of worn parts or the associated costs.
There are two ways to externally charge the Golf GTE battery. The first assumes that the current is supplied from a 230 V socket via the connecting cable supplied as standard, in which case a full charge of the battery (with a charging power of 2,3 kW) should take about three hours and 45 minutes. As an option, VW offers a 3,6kW Wallbox charging station. Charging time is reduced to two hours and 15 minutes.
The Golf GTE is powered by a 6-speed DSG transmission that has been suitably modified for hybrid drive needs. It is distinguished by an additional clutch located between the two engines. All this so that, if possible, the internal combustion engine can be disconnected from the leading front axle.
When traveling in the Golf GTE, we can choose from five preset operating modes. The car usually starts in zero emission electric mode called E and then it uses only the electric motor. The maximum range that the Golf GTE can achieve using only the energy stored in the batteries is 50 km and a top speed of 130 km/h. In practice, during the tests, the computer showed a range of about 30 km, which is much less than the declared one.
The Battery Hold mode deactivates the electric mode, turning the GTE into a typical hybrid that alternates or, if necessary, two engines at the same time. The energy management system keeps the battery charge at a constant average level. Using the infotainment system, we can also select the following modes: Hybrid Auto and Battery Charge. The first uses the energy of the battery to intensively support the internal combustion engine, and the second will try to fully recharge the cells in the shortest possible time.
All of the above options make the Golf GTE an economical, environmentally friendly and conventional hybrid vehicle. So where's the excitement for the other GT options? If we want to fully exploit the power potential of the hybrid Golf, we must launch the GTE mode. It will make us feel like we are in a hot hatch. The accelerator pedal will be more willing to inform the engines that we want to move more dynamically, and the steering will become firmer, giving us a better feeling of the road. We will have all 204 hp at our disposal. power and 350 Nm of torque, and we will hear the sound of the GTI engine. Unfortunately, this comes from the speakers and not from the gas turbine exhaust. Pleasant, though a bit disappointing is the lack of vibrations that are characteristic of a truly sporty exhaust. As a consolation, we will reach the first "hundred" in 7,6 seconds, and the maximum speed with which we can go is 222 km / h. It seems that his head cannot be torn off, but we will have time to beat the nose of a few competitors on the track.
The Jetta was the first and last hybrid with the VW badge that I had the opportunity to test. This car, intended mainly for the American market, did not particularly appeal to me. Therefore, when I got into the Golf, I was afraid that the Germans would not take the hoe in the sun, trying to compete with Toyota. In order to convince customers to buy hybrids with the VW logo, the designers had to create a car that offered much more than the Japanese offered. That is why it was decided to build a model that will satisfy not only environmentalists, but also give driving pleasure to everyone who is passionate about motorization. Hence the high power of the Golf GTE, the fast DSG dual-clutch transmission or the aforementioned sound simposer. All this is seasoned with a sporty look both outside and inside. Will this hybrid promotion idea catch on? Will find out soon.
Do you like Golf GTE? The best way to find out about this is to drive. It's actually better to say "driving" because the first thing I liked about the GTE was the beautifully contoured and comfortable bucket seats. If you've had the opportunity to drive any other generation Golf, you'll feel right at home in the GTE. Ergonomics is one of the main advantages of the interior of the new Golf, and for this it should be commended. In GTE, the watch is the biggest difference - here, instead of a tachometer, the so-called. Power meter or power meter. It informs the driver in real time about how his driving style affects the load on the system.
We are on our way. If the Golf GTE has a fully charged battery, it will start in electric mode. This means that parking maneuvers are completely silent. Only the dynamic inclusion of traffic starts the internal combustion engine. Switching between operating modes, as well as gear changes, is very smooth and almost imperceptible to the driver. The Golf GTE, though heavier than conventional cars, rides just as well. Whoever thinks that GTE is only a straight champion is wrong, because cornering is one of the best games in GTE. The suspension effectively and silently picks up bumps, not allowing the car to deviate from the selected track, and a rigid body gives a feeling of confidence.
The Golf GTE won't be available in domestic showrooms until next year. This may be why the importer has not yet specified prices for the hybrid compact van. However, if you find it difficult to endure these few months, you can always go beyond our western border. In Germany, the Golf GTE costs 36 euros. Analyzing the price list of the GTI and GTD models, we can conclude that the price of the GTE in our showrooms will start from approximately 900 zlotys. That's about what you'd pay for a well-equipped GTI and almost as much as a Golf R. Given the lack of any tax incentives in Poland, it's hard to expect the GTE to be a hit in the market. . However, to put an end to it is a bit of an exaggeration, because the GTE has one big advantage that will be appreciated by buyers all over the world. He's just Golf.
