Volkswagen Passat GTE plug-in hybrid goes on sale in the UK

Kevin J Lee August 2, 2016 News 1,266 Views

Volkswagen has introduced its VW Passat GTE plug-in hybrid in the UK, promising to offer customers the best of both worlds.

The plug-in hybrid model – a first for the Passat – certainly looks promising, combining a 115kW (154hp) 1.4-litre EA211 TSI engine with an 84kW (113hp) electric motor for a combined output of 160kW (215hp) and 400Nm of torque.

The hybrid Passat is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.6 seconds before heading towards a top speed of 225km/h.

Average combined fuel consumption is rated at a mere 1.6L/100km (166mpg UK), while CO₂ emission is a claimed 39g/km.

A specially developed 6-speed DSG gearbox (driving the front wheels) is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third disengagement clutch. This decouples the TSI engine whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and increases efficientcy.

Volkswagen says the GTE can be driven up to 50km on electric power alone in E-Mode, with power supplied from a 9.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging to a full takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes when using a standard UK domestic mains outlet, or 2 hours and 30 minutes if a dedicated wall box with a 3.6kW supply is used.

The Passat GTE can be distinguished by its C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille – design cues which are shared with the Golf GTE. A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters. The innovative Active Info Display with specific customized read-outs is offered as an option.

The Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone. All climate control functions can also be activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed. It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.