Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid likely for Australia, as mid-life facelift nears

UPDATE, September 2022: Golf GTE, Tiguan eHybrid likely for Australia

Speaking at the Australian launch of its new T-Roc R and updated variants, a VW spokesperson has confirmed its Golf GTE and Tiguan eHybrid models are looking set for an Australian launch. Details at the link below.

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The plug-in hybrid Volkswagen Golf GTE is on track for a local debut, as the brand’s electrification push in Australia continues.

Speaking with Wheels, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said the local arm is working to follow up the Touareg R with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Golf small car and Tiguan medium SUV.

“Volkswagen will soon introduce the Touareg R as its first hybrid plug-in electric vehicle that combines heightened performance with fewer emissions,” they said.

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Pictured: 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid

“We are working to follow this first PHEV up with plug-in versions of the Tiguan and the Golf GTE.”

As reported, the plug-in hybrid Touareg R – due by early 2023 – will be joined by the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs in the second half of next year, while the Golf GTE and Tiguan eHybrid PHEV are yet to be officially locked in.

“Globally Volkswagen is balancing supply and demand, however an electrification expansion is clearly our target in concert with pursuing the fully electric ID.4 and ID.5,” the spokesperson added.

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The previous-generation Golf GTE was under evaluation for an Australian launch, with several examples reaching local shores for a potential 2018 launch; however, strong global demand led to the local arm scrapping its plans.

Under the bonnet, the latest Golf GTE and Tiguan plug-in hybrid feature a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, as found in the entry-level variants.

The petrol mill is matched with an 85kW front electric motor and 10.4kWh lithium-ion battery, with total system outputs rated at 180kW and 400Nm – on par with the Golf GTI.

It is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels in both vehicles.

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Volkswagen claims the Golf GTE can travel up to 62 kilometres in all-electric mode under the strict WLTP rating standard, while the Tiguan eHybrid has a lower 50-kilometre claim.

For both vehicles, a full charge is claimed to take approximately five hours using a 2.3kW alternating current (AC) domestic socket, while a 3.6kW public or home charger will top up the battery in around 3.5 hours.

While pricing is hard to determine, we expect Volkswagen to position the GTE plug-in hybrid between the GTI ($54,990) and R ($65,990) models.

For reference, sister brand Cupra has VZe PHEV versions of the related Leon hatch and Formentor crossover – featuring the same 1.4-litre setup – priced at the $60,000 mark.

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Pictured: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Golf 8.5 mid-life update coming

However, a more-powerful GTE is expected to launch alongside a mid-life facelift for the Volkswagen Golf – known internally as ‘8.5’ – in the next 24 months with more power, according to a new report.

Volkswagen Australia declined to comment on local timing for the updated Golf, but it is tipped to arrive in Australian showrooms from late 2023 – potentially with a staggered roll-out, akin to the previous-generation Golf 7.5 update in 2017.

Few details have surfaced regarding the updated Golf, but newly-appointed Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer said the facelifted version is currently under development.

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According to German publication Auto Zeitung, the revisions will focus on improving criticisms of the current Golf, which include its controversial front-end styling and capacitive touch-heavy interior.

The report states Volkswagen will introduce a redesigned front end with a higher grille, 3D-effect rear tail-lights, and the removal of faux exhaust tips on entry-level variants.

Inside, the current 10-inch central display and digital instrument cluster are expected to grow to 12.9 and 10.4 inches, respectively, with a simplified and “more fail-safe” infotainment system.

In addition, the volume and climate sliders below the infotainment display will reportedly gain illumination for easier use at night.

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The updates follow a previous change in late 2021, which included a faster processor to reduce load times on start-up, and revised software with larger, easier-to-use icon tiles.

Other changes reported by Auto Zeitung include a new gloss black centre console, suede-like recycled fabric for the door cards, and an automated parking system that can retrace up to 50 metres of prior driving.

A range of updated mild-hybrid engines will reportedly join the more potent Golf GTE, which is rumoured to shift to a newer 1.5-litre unit with 191kW of power, up from today’s 180kW, and 100 kilometres of electric driving range.

The updated 2024 Volkswagen Golf is expected to launch in Australia from late 2023, with further news on the facelift and GTE hot hatch likely in the coming months.