11 used Volkswagen Golf GTE cars for sale

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What is the VW Golf GTE?

The Volkswagen Golf GTE is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the popular Volkswagen Golf GTI. Providing all the practicality and style of the classic Golf, the performance of the iconic GTI and an eco-conscious powertrain, it’s a vehicle that appeals to a range of motoring needs and preferences. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a parent with the environment in mind, this is a model that will more than meet your requirements.

The Golf GTE hot hatchback was first launched in 2014 as part of the extensive Golf range. GTE stands for ‘Gran Turismo Electric’, referring to the electric element of the model’s powertrain. With its sporty looks and high levels of equipment, it rivals other plug-in hybrids such as the Audi A3 TFSI e and Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250e. However, as a comparatively low-cost PHEV option, it also competes with the Cupra Leon eHybrid and ŠKODA Octavia vRS iV.

VW Gold GTE history

The first Volkswagen Golf arrived in May 1974 as a replacement for the popular Beetle. Offering universal appeal, this hatchback soon became a staple of British motoring and remains a favourite today.

The GTE edition has its roots in the 1970s too. The German brand set up the ‘Centre for Future Research’ with the aim of designing a ‘powertrain for the future’. Led by Adolf Kalberlah, an electro-chemist who specialised in battery research, the unit produced several electric cars over the years – albeit in small numbers.

The Volkswagen Golf GTE was launched in 2014 as part of the Golf Mk7 range. Like the regular variants, it came in a five-door hot hatch body style. It provided a greener alternative to the acclaimed Golf GTI and a sportier alternative to the fully electric e-Golf. Equipped with a 1.4-litre 148bhp petrol engine and a 101bhp electric motor, it produced a combined output of 201bhp and achieved a 0-62mph time of just 7.6 seconds. Drivers can also enjoy an all-electric range of up to 31 miles and a total range of 550 miles.

In 2020 the Golf Mk8 was introduced, and a second-generation Golf GTE formed part of the range. Despite the same 1.4-litre 148bhp petrol engine sitting under the bonnet, the plug-in hybrid saw a boost in power, matching the GTI’s 242bhp. It also boasts 400Nm of torque, resulting in a reduced 0-62mph time of just 6.7 seconds. In addition, the electric-only range has improved slightly, offering up to 40 miles. The 13kWh battery can be charged by a 3.6kW station in under four hours.

With the same body kit as the Golf GTI and GTD, the Golf GTE is an athletic vehicle with a sporty front bumper, illuminated honeycomb grille and high-backed sports seats upholstered in GTI-inspired tartan. As a plug-in hybrid, the Golf GTE has a boot capacity of 273 litres, which is on par with many of its rivals such as the Cupra Leon eHybrid’s 207-litre capacity.

Where does the VW Golf GTE sit in the range?

In the context of the rest of the Volkswagen Golf range, the GTE sits above the R-Line trim and alongside the GTI and GTD. That means drivers will benefit from a wide array of equipment and some sporty styling touches.

What features and equipment does the VW Golf GTE have?

The Volkswagen Golf GTE looks every inch a hot hatch thanks to its sporty front bumper, honeycomb design accents and illuminated grille. All these elements are shared with the GTI on which it’s based. Unique to the GTE are 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels and light adaptive LED headlights, which adjust illumination according to curves in the road and oncoming traffic.

Inside are sports seats with blue Jacara tartan upholstery, inspired by the GTI’s red tartan pattern. There’s also a sports steering wheel with blue stitching and black metal chrome accents. You’ll also benefit from three-zone climate control and a ten-inch multimedia touchscreen with sat nav, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

The GTE features five bespoke drive modes, which enable you to tailor the car’s performance to your preferences. These include an electric-only setting, which is ideal for urban driving, school runs and short commutes.

Safety features include Travel Assist, a system that delivers partially assisted driving at speeds of up to 130mph, as well as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and driver emergency assist. This latter technology can identify if the driver is no longer in control of the vehicle and will bring it safely to a stop.

Whether you’re looking to finance a used VW Golf GTE or buy one we have a wide range of second-hand VW Golf GTE cars available. You can buy online safely with Click & Collect and home delivery options available.

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