Volkswagen Golf eHybrid: specs, prices and on-sale date

Order books are now open for the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid. It's a less powerful plug-in version of the family hatchback, slotting into the line-up beneath the Golf GTE and priced from £32,995.

Under the bonnet is a detuned version of the GTE’s 242bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, combined with an electric motor to produce 201bhp and 350Nm of torque. The Golf eHybrid is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, with power sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Thanks to the 13kWh battery under the rear seats, the Golf eHybrid has an electric driving range of 44 miles. Unlike the GTE, which features five driving modes, the Golf eHybrid only has two: 'E-Mode' for electric driving and 'Hybrid' for using both the engine and electric motor; the latter can charge the Golf eHybrid’s battery on the go.

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The Golf eHybrid can also be driven in E-Mode at up to 80mph, so motorway commuting can be on electric power alone. Alternatively, you can programme the Golf eHybrid to retain energy in the battery for use later in your journey – for example if you’re heading into a low-emissions zone. You can fully charge the Golf eHybrid in three hours and 40 minutes from a 3.4kW wallbox charger, or five hours from a conventional three-pin plug socket.

As a result of the hybrid powertrain, Volkswagen claims the Golf eHybrid is capable of 235mpg fuel economy and 21g/km of CO2 emissions. Volkswagen is targeting company-car drivers with the Golf eHybrid, as it incurs a Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of just 7%; the regular, petrol-powered 128bhp Golf Style attracts a BiK rate of 28%.

You can currently only buy the Golf eHybrid in Style trim, which comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head and tail-lights, Volkswagen’s 'Digital Cockpit Pro' driver display, wireless smartphone charging and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety kit like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and autonomous emergency braking are also standard.