Automotive

Volkswagen’s Golf GTE is the fast plug-in hybrid you might actually buy

As reported on Engadget.

BY JON FINGAS

Volkswagen Golf GTE

There aren’t many quick plug-in hybrids with reasonable price tags, but Volkswagen may just lower the cost of eco-friendly performance with its newly unveiled Golf GTE. The hot hatchback mates a 148HP gas engine with a 101HP electric motor, giving the Golf enough combined power to reach 62MPH in 7.6 seconds — pretty brisk for a plug-in that should still be affordable and practical. If you’re not always in such a rush, you can run purely on electric power for 31 miles. The big catch? At present, VW has no plans to release the GTE in the US. Americans will likely have to book European vacations if they want to see the sporty hybrid in person.