Volkswagen Ireland has launched its new plug-in hybrid versions of the Golf 8, with prices starting from €36,570 inclusive of grants.
That'll get you a new Golf eHybrid, which is the first plug-in Golf model that's not part of the GT family. Mind you, it'll not be slow as the combo of 1.4 TSI petrol engine and an electric motor results in a combined 204hp. More importantly, this eHybrid model has 50 per cent more battery capacity than the old GTE Golf, which means a WLTP range of up to 71km - a significant increase on before.
Volkswagen offers the Golf eHybrid in the "Style" equipment version, so comes with items such as 3-Zone Air Care Climate Control, Keyless Access Advanced, a rear-view camera, ArtVelours microfleece seat coverings and 'Travel Assist' with lane keeping system, 'Emergency Assist' and 'Traffic Jam Assist', with the eHybrid gaining some additional standard equipment such as a Windshield Head-Up Display, IQ Light Matrix Lights and Taillights, 16-inch eHybrid alloy wheels, Advanced high-beam control, Dynamic light assist, Dynamic Cornering Lights, Dynamic turn signals in front and rear and a poor weather light. With CO2 emissions of just 21g/km, it sits in Tax Band A1, with €170 Annual Motor Tax.
Now, there's also a more powerful model, which is, once again, badged as GTE and which uses the same 1.4 TSI engine and battery, but with more grunt from the electric motor to deliver a combined 245hp. It's a little less efficient overall than the eHybrid but still manages a claimed 64km of electric only driving on a fully charged battery.
Its also quick - 6.7 seconds to get to 100km/h which is impressive (and not far off a petrol-only Golf GTI) with 36g/km of CO2. Standard kit for its €42,330 (grants inclusive) price includes 17-inch 'Richmond' alloy wheels, GTE-specific body-coloured bumpers, 10-inch 'Discover Pro' radio system with a clear glass touchscreen and 8 speakers and a Windshield Head-Up display. 'Discover Pro' radio system with a clear glass touchscreen and 8 speakers and a Windshield Head-Up display.
Alongside the new all-electric ID.3 (which is the reason there won't be an all-electric Golf for now) these cars are being launched under what VW calls it's Way to Zero strategy. Under that strategy, we'll shortly see plug-in hybrid versions of the Arteon, the Tiguan, and the Touareg (including the mighty Touareg R which uses the same plug-in hybrid setup as the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid) as well as more all-electric ID models, starting with the ID.4 SUV.