Volkswagen Golf eHybrid: our opinion behind the wheel

A good student, very diligent and always attentive, the Golf has been able to anticipate the wave of rechargeable hybrid mechanics, with the arrival of the GTE version in 2014, on the seventh generation.

Today, while these devices are becoming more democratic, the Golf 8 is diversifying: in addition to the updated 245 hp GTE, Volkswagen offers the 204 hp eHybrid, hardly less efficient but much more accessible.

These two share everything: 1.4 liter thermal engine with 150 hp, 13 kWh capacity battery and 80 kW electric unit.

But at the time of the addition, by a clever calculation sprinkled with a little electronic sleight of hand of which only the engineers of the brand know the subtleties, the cumulative power “drops” to 204 hp eHybrid side.

It is 41 hp less (and 50 Nm “soaring”), but only 5 km / h lost in top speed, and 7 tenths of a second abandoned during the exercise of 0 to 100 km / h. Three times nothing. But € 4,955 less in base price.

This price difference, Volkswagen justifies it by a distinct positioning and superior equipment on the GTE (sports steering wheel, sports front seats with integrated head restraints, dark-tinted rear windows, driving programs).

The eHybrid version, which benefits from a slightly softer damping, also ignores the sporty appearance (specific shields and sills, 17-inch rims) and abandons progressive steering and running gear GTE sports.

Equipment that can be considered superfluous, and which has the sole (small) effect of making the Golf eHybrid less sharp and less tasty to drive.

In various respects, and in particular for its cost in use, this 204 hp PHEV version could also be compared to Golf diesels, and more precisely to the TDI 150 ch (€ 37,800 with identical finish) and TDI 200 ch (GTD, from € 42,610), between which the performance of the eHybrid is inserted.

Rightly known for their remarkable sobriety, these two, equipped with the DSG7 double-clutch robotic transmission, shine on the secondary network and on expressways.

But they don’t have no right to the € 2,000 bonus (€ 1,000 from the 1^is July 2021) granted to the eHybrid and, in the city, they cannot circulate in silence. This is also one of the interests of the Golf with rechargeable hybridization; its ability to drive in electric mode. Volkswagen announces up to 71 kilometers traveled before “draining” the accumulators.

In real use, it is quite possible, even by mixing the different types of roads, to drive about 55 kilometers before hearing the 1.4 liter wake up.

To do this, on the other hand, it is necessary to accept a small daily constraint: go to the front left of the Golf, open the hatch and connect it to a domestic socket, from which it will be necessary to count about seven hours for a full charge.

The eHybrid can also be connected to a Wallbox but, the charging power being limited to 3.6 kW, it will take around four hours to “refuel”.

Note that, even when the electric range drops to 0 kilometers, the Golf still retains sufficient energy to perform its maneuvers in electric mode, and operates like a conventional hybrid car. She then consumes about 5.5 l / 100 km on average according to our tests, and climbs to almost 7 l / 100 km on the highway.

In terms of road performance, this Golf remains a Golf. Despite being overweight due to its batteries, which bring its weight to 1600 kg, it remains very safe and pleasant. And the controlled damping (910 €) of our test model benefits comfort.

The German suffers from the same ills as her thermal sisters, starting with a small chest and ergonomics as modern as they are complex.

The “all-touch” operation serves the presentation but not the well-being: each request of multimedia interface requires thought and concentration. It is even annoying, especially at night, when it comes to adjusting the intensity and temperature of the ventilation: the sensitive keys overhung by the screen are not illuminated.

But this is only one detail among many others, to illustrate thedisappointing ergonomics of this Golf. Without this, and without a pricing policy requiring to dig into the options to have sufficient equipment, the German would have almost everything of the perfect compact.

Volkswagen Golf eHybrid test: our opinion

More rational and less expensive than the GTE, this Golf will appeal to individuals attracted by rechargeable hybridization and company fleets, to which advantages are granted when they opt for this technology (exemption from TVS, bonus, free card grey…).

WE love

Electric autonomy
Driving pleasure and smoothness
Presentation

We like less

Price / equipment ratio
Very complicated ergonomics
Trunk volume

Data sheet (Golf eHybrid 204 hp)

Thermal engine: front, transverse, 4 cylinders, gasoline, direct injection, 1395 cm3³
Thermal power (hp at rpm): 150 to 5,000
Thermal torque (Nm at rpm): 250 to 1,500
Electric motor: 80 kW (109 hp)
Batterie : lithium-Ion, 13 kWh
Transmission: traction, robotized double clutch, 6 speeds
Cumulative power (hp): 204
Cumulative torque (Nm): 350
Electric range WLTP (km): 55 to 71
Empty weight (kg): 1,590
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,28×1,79×1,48
Wheelbase (m): 2.63
Turning diameter (m): 10.9
Tank (l): 39.5
Maximum speed in electric (km / h): 130
Max speed (km / h): 220
0 to 100 km/h (s): 7 ”4
Standard tires: 205/55 R 16
Test tires: 225/40 R 18 – Bridgestone Potenza S005
Conso. combined WLTP (l / 100 km): 1.5
Conso. during test (l / 100 km): 5.8
CO₂ (g / km): 21 to 38
Loading time :
- on domestic socket (AC cable 1.8 kW): 7:15 a.m.
- sur borne 3,6 kW : 3h40
Bonus: € 2,000 (€ 1,000 at 1^is July 2021)
Chest 5/2 (l): 273/1 003
Front / rear elbow width (cm): 148/143
Rear legroom (cm): 73
Country of manufacture: Germany
Warranty: 2 years / unlimited mileage
Battery warranty: 8 years / 160,000 km
Fiscal power: 8 CV
Base rate (eHybrid): 40,710 €
Price of the tested version: 46,990 €

PROPOSED RANGE (Volkswagen Golf)
Gasoline, from 110 to 320 hp, from € 26,980 to € 50,260
Diesel, from 115 to 200 hp, from € 28,760 to € 42,610
Plug-in hybrid (gasoline + electric) from 204 to 245 hp, from € 40,710 to € 45,665

PROPOSED OPTIONS