Volkswagen Golf Hybrid behind the wheel: HEV in Honda style approaches 4.71 litres per 100 km
The new Volkswagen Golf Hybrid has been tested with a petrol-electric powertrain designed to improve the car's efficiency in urban driving. The hybrid will sit between the eTSI and eHybrid versions and will be available in all trim levels.
The Volkswagen Golf Hybrid features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a small traction electric motor, and a 48 V starter-generator. The system uses a 1.6 kWh battery located under the rear seat and can temporarily switch off the engine at low speeds.
In terms of operation, the setup is similar to the hybrid system in the Honda Civic e:HEV: the engine can directly drive the wheels, charge the battery, or work together with the electric motor. There is no traditional gearbox—the electronics select the combination of energy sources depending on speed and load.
The Golf Hybrid is offered in versions with 134 and 168 hp; the more powerful modification was tested. The additional cost for the Hybrid compared to the equivalent eTSI is around 1,200 pounds sterling. Volkswagen will also offer this powertrain for the T-Roc crossover.
