The first full-hybrid powertrain offered by Volkswagen will arrive before the end of the year, first in the Golf hatchback and T-Roc SUV.
The powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four with an electric motor and a small, 1.6kWh battery that's integrated into the boot floor. Power is delivered exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen has already confirmed it will come in two power levels: 136bhp and 170bhp. Autocar has been told the Golf will receive the more powerful version in various global export markets, including the US, but it remains to be seen which version will be offered in models sold in the UK.
The new option will top the T-Roc line-up, but for the Golf it will sit between the eTSI mild hybrid and the eHybrid and GTE plug-in hybrids.
Models using the new powertrain will be badged simply Hybrid.
The system works similarly to e:HEV set-up in the Honda Civic, whereby under normal driving conditions drive is undertaken by the electric motor, with the engine used as a generator for the battery; but when a speed of above 40mph is reached, the engine takes over and the motor is used as a torque filler. At slower speeds, the system can run as an EV; the electric-only range hasn't been confirmed and is expected to be short.
Volkswagen said its new system “enables a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values as well as reduced fuel costs” when compared with mild hybrids, while also being cheaper to purchase and not requiring external charging like a PHEV.
Pricing and on-sale information has yet to be confirmed, but Volkswagen said the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid will be available in the fourth quarter of 2026.
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