Autocar tests Volkswagen Golf Hybrid for the UK market
Autocar tests the new Volkswagen Golf Hybrid full hybrid
Autocar has tested the Volkswagen Golf Hybrid, which will be offered in the UK as a rival to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Its powertrain was developed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in urban driving.
Golf Hybrid drives smoothly but drones under load
In Autocar’s test, the 168 bhp Volkswagen Golf Hybrid accelerated smoothly around town. The petrol engine cut in almost imperceptibly to charge the battery. During brisk overtaking and on steep climbs, the engine produced an unpleasant drone.
Electric motor powers the Golf at up to 37 mph
The full-hybrid HEV powertrain combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, a traction motor and a 48V starter-generator. A 1.6 kWh battery sits beneath the rear seat. Its series-parallel layout is closer to the Honda Civic e:HEV’s powertrain than the Nissan Qashqai’s e-Power system.
At up to 37 mph, the electric motor drives the front wheels. Above that speed, the petrol engine connects to them through a single-speed transmission. It can also work alongside the traction motor. There is no conventional gearbox: the system selects the combination of power sources according to load and speed. Drivers cannot select the power source manually.
The Golf Hybrid arrived in the UK after the diesel Golf was withdrawn from sale. There are also plans to offer this hybrid powertrain in the T-Roc crossover.
Golf Hybrid expected to command a £1,200 premium in Britain
The Golf Hybrid will sit between the eTSI mild hybrid and the eHybrid plug-in hybrid. In the UK, the Hybrid is expected to cost around £1,200 more than an equivalent eTSI. The full hybrid is planned to be available across all trim levels with two power outputs, the lower of which produces 134 bhp.
According to Autocar, Volkswagen says the Hybrid uses up to 11% less petrol than the eHybrid in urban driving. Official figures have yet to be released. The Hybrid is also expected to attract lower VED and BIK taxes.