Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Golf Plug-in Hybrid

We get behind the wheel of a prototype of the plug-in Golf, which sets a new eco benchmark

Find your Volkswagen Golf
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The plug-in Golf looks set to be a huge success. You can complete most short journeys on electric power, but you have the benefit of a petrol engine to take you further – plus it drives like a regular Golf. Great economy means it should cost very little to run, yet price could be an issue. There’s no official word, but it could cost as much as a GTI.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MkVII Volkswagen Golf will be available with hybrid power – a first for the Golf. And we’ve driven a prototype of the plug-in.

It’s based on the current three-door model, and featured a 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, boosted by an 80Kw electric motor. It also had a lithium-ion battery that can be topped up from the mains.

On the move, the plug-in Golf is very impressive indeed. Under most driving conditions it’s effectively an electric car – and you really need to press very hard on the throttle for the petrol engine to cut in at all.

In town, it’s fast enough for you to breeze through traffic. Plus, the motor is so powerful, the engine is barely used on high-speed roads.

VW says the Golf will have an electric-only range of around 30 miles and should be able to return 141mpg with overall CO2 emissions as low as 46g/km.

The new MQB platform will also allow designers to mount the battery and electric motor in a way that doesn’t encroach on passenger or luggage space.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £8,450
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,922 off RRP*Used from £12,349
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £8,203 off RRP*Used from £11,500
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier
Skoda Enyaq SE L 85 - front 3/4

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier

Skoda's latest Enyaq SE L 85 delivers a 359-mile range and qualifies for the £1,500 government electric car discount.
News
30 Sep 2025
BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money
Opinion - premium car brands, header image

BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money

Mike Rutherford thinks traditional premium car brands are beyond the reach of most car buyers, and the competition is now closing the gap
Opinion
28 Sep 2025
Audi Q3 review
Audi Q3 - front

Audi Q3 review

The Audi Q3 doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it does significantly improve on most key metrics; the PHEV is particularly compelling
In-depth reviews
29 Sep 2025