VW’s hybrid Golf coupé ready to take aim at A5

By Luke Madden

08th January 2010

FEAST your eyes on the new VW that’s taking a swing at the Audi A5 – it’s the Golf coupé! In a surprise unveil, the German firm took the wraps off this two-door concept car, dubbed the New Compact Coupé, at the Detroit Motor Show this week.

Previewing an upcoming model that will sit above the Scirocco but below the Passat CC in the maker’s line-up, the New Compact Coupé will not only turn heads, but also set fresh standards for performance, fuel economy and emissions.

That’s because it’s a hybrid. Power comes from a 147bhp, 1.4-litre TSI engine boosted by a 25bhp electric motor. Mated to VW’s efficient seven-speed DSG gearbox, it does 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds, and can hit 141mph.

The car can be driven in fully electric mode and features a special clutch that separates the engine from the drivetrain to reduce drag. The same happens when the driver lifts off at high speed, allowing the car to ‘sail’ with no resistance from the engine. As a result it’s very eco-friendly, returning 45mpg and emitting 98g/km of CO2!

It’s good looking, too, with bold lines and smart headlights. The assertive stance is helped by a sweeping coupé roofline and a low-slung, sporty profile. Aerodynamic tweaks such as a covered grille and rear spoiler help to reduce drag.

Inside, the cabin is just as stylish. The dashboard and controls are all angled towards the driver, and there’s a new eight-inch multimedia touchscreen which can display information on how much power is being delivered by the engine and electric motor respectively.

The car is practical, too. The two rear seats can take two adults, and the boot has a 380-litre capacity. There will be petrol and diesel units as well as the hybrid, and sales should start within two years with a price tag of around £25,000. There’s even the chance of a four-door version too. In the meantime, a hybrid variant of the all-new Touareg will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.