Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Golf Twin drive

We try the world’s first-ever diesel hybrid in five-door hatch!

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
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

As a feat of packaging, the Golf Twin Drive is impressive. It offers the same amount of passenger and load space as a regular Golf, yet the driving experience is blunted only slightly. If the economy figure proves true, it’s amazing – but we wonder why VW is waiting so long to bring it to dealers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Here’s the Golf’s not-so-evil twin! This is the Twin Drive – Volkswagen’s late, late ticket to the electric hybrid party. But it’s got a trick up its sleeve. The car is the first-ever hybrid to feature a diesel engine – and Auto Express has driven it!

There are only 20 Twin Drive prototypes in existence, but we got behind the wheel to give you the definitive verdict on VW’s clean, green derv sipper. And sip diesel it does. Bosses say this Golf returns 113mpg – that’s more than twice what a 2.0-litre TDI can muster!

The unbelievable economy comes from the blend of a frugal 1.5-litre common-rail diesel and three electric motors: one in the bonnet next to the engine and one in each of the back wheels.

When travelling at speeds of up to 31mph, the Golf takes its power from the electric motors solely. But only if driven gently – the diesel motor will take over if the accelerator is pressed hard, providing a slug of extra power.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Arona

2020 SEAT

Arona

28,393 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,500
View Arona
Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

53,683 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,000
View Tiguan
Puma

2021 Ford

Puma

97,141 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,100
View Puma
A1 Sportback

2026 Audi

A1 Sportback

39,242 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,800
View A1 Sportback

Beyond 31mph, the oil-burner kicks in as a matter of course, charging the battery and driving the car. At motorway speeds, the diesel provides the go.

Silent

Together, the electric motors and engine produce 175bhp. How does this translate on the road? Well, the Golf is eerily silent at start-up and travelling below the magic 31mph mark. It feels heavy, but rides well and handles with the composure you expect of the VW hatch.

The car weighs 250kg more than a 4MOTION TDI, although the fact that two of the motors are at the rear means the burden is spread evenly, so handling isn’t affected too severely.

Charging the Twin Drive is easy, with plug-in points in the front and rear bumpers. It takes four-and-a-half hours from a 220V source. VW says that costs about £1.40 at current prices, for around 30 miles of urban driving. Stop-start technology helps conserve the charge of the water-cooled electric motors in town.

So it drives well, seats four adults like any other Golf and has incredible economy. It’s just a pity VW isn’t putting it into production for seven years.

Rival: Toyota Prius
Say hybrid and the word Prius springs to mind. But oddball looks hamper its appeal, while many modern diesels now provide better fuel returns.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,875
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025