Skip to main content

201 horsepower and 157 mpg: VW’s Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid that handles like a GTI

Volkswagen has a version of its Golf for everyone. It has the standard Golf, which is perhaps the most sensible car on the planet; the GTI, the sporty version of the Golf; and the GTD, which takes the GTI idea and adds diesel. Now there’s this: the GTE, which combines plug-in hybrid efficiency and turbocharged acceleration into one incredibly versatile package.

The GTE, which will be unveiled next month at the Geneva Motor Show, is powered by a 148-horspower 1.4-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine and a 101-hp electric motor. Together, VW rates the GTE at 201 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is good for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 135.

Powered by the onboard batteries, the GTE can go 31 miles on a single charge and up to 81 mph on the electric motor alone. One the European drive cycle, VW estimates the GTE will achieve 157 mpg, what that is in American MPGe is, though, I don’t know. Regardless, VW brags the GTE is “one of the world’s most efficient cars.”

While you might be yawning at the GTE, I encourage you to give it another think. The GTE, like the Audi A3 e-tron I drove in LA is on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. This light and tight chassis will make the GTE just as fun to drive as the GTI but far more eco-friendly. The best of both worlds? I think yes.

Plus, it seems that VW has finally sorted the driving lumpiness of hybrid systems, so the GTE shouldn’t jitter and shake you past the gas stations.

There’s no word if the GTE is headed Stateside anytime soon. I suspect, though, that it will, in due time.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Scout Motors creates connections with its new electric Terra truck and Traveler SUV
Scout Terra and Traveler driving onto the compass-face stage.

Scout Motors invited roughly 300 people to the hills of Franklin, Tennessee, to reveal the Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck electric concept vehicles. The automaker brought in journalists such as myself, active lifestyle bloggers, YouTubers, automotive industry analysts, and enthusiasts and fans of the original International Harvester Scout.

Scout Motors calls the new, rugged vehicle the Connection Machine. The reveal event aimed to establish a solid connection between the concept EVs and the attendees. The automaker also used the occasion to announce the immediate ability to reserve a Scout vehicle with a $100 fully refundable deposit.
The Scout legend

Read more
Scout Motors Traveler SUV: everything we know so far
Scout Motors Traveler SUV in a forest

After years of rumors, Scout Motors is back. Volkswagen has revived the classic car brand, but with an electrified touch. The company has actually launched two new electric vehicles with the Scout Motors branding, including a truck and an SUV, which is called the Scout Motors Traveler SUV.

The Scout Motors Traveler SUV may be a sub-brand under the Volkswagen Group, but the vehicle actually makes use of a totally new EV platform that's completely unique to Scout, instead of a platform already in use by other Volkswagen brands. Not only that, while the Traveler SUV is available as an all-electric vehicle, it's also available as a so-called EREV, or extended range EV, which features a gasoline engine that's used to charge the battery.

Read more
Scout Motors Terra electric truck: everything we know
Scout Motors Terra truck front

There's a new rugged electric vehicle manufacturer in town, or rather an old one that's being revived in the era of EVs. Scout Motors is now a Volkswagen brand, and it recently unveiled its vision for an electric SUV and electric truck. The Scout Motors Terra truck is set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and even the Tesla Cybertruck.

The Terra actually has a few interesting features that could set it apart from the competition while coming in at a lower price point. Curious about the Scout Motors Terra electric truck and whether or not it could be your next vehicle? Here's everything we know about it so far.
Design
It's clear that Scout Motors is shooting for a modern retro look with its latest vehicles. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, like Tesla is with the Cybertruck, but rather aiming to refine the truck while paying homage to the Scout Motors vehicles of old.

Read more