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

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £9,812 off RRP*Used from £11,300
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £12,100
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,866 off RRP*Used from £17,449
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution
Kia EV3 - front action

Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution

The technology, developed by Scottish firm Dukosi, can provide car battery health data down to the single-cell level
News
9 Oct 2025