It’s been a long time coming, but Volkswagen’s plug-in hybrid version of the Passat is now available for customers in the UK to order.
The first Passat with a hybrid powertrain, the GTE was first unveiled all the way back in 2014 but is finally here in the UK, priced from £34,025 when taking the £2,500 plug-in car grant into consideration.
Available as either a saloon or an estate, Volkswagen claims that the Passat GTE offers an engaging drive but with fuel economy of up to 166mpg and CO2 emissions from just 39g/km.
Powered by a 154bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine in conjunction with a 115bhp electric motor, the GTE can hit 0-62mph in a fairly sprightly 7.6 seconds before hitting a 140mph top speed.
Aside from the hybrid system, the GTE is mostly standard Passat but is distinguished from the rest of the range with unique C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a tweaked front bumper.
Fuel economy of up to 166mpg
Inside, the Passat GTE features the option of an innovative Active Info Display, which shows the driver customisable readouts to display things like battery capacity and range.
There’s also a leather-trimming steering wheel with contrasting blue stitching, a gear knob specific to the GTE and blue stitching for the leather and alcantara seats.
Two trim levels are available in the UK, with standard equipment including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and sat-nav, plus LED headlights and parking sensors.
Opting for the higher GTE Advance model adds things like the Active Info Display, which is optional on the entry-level GTE, plus a bigger infotainment system and Nappa leather upholstery.
The interior dimensions of the Passat GTE also mirror those of the standard Passat, with its boot space still intact despite the hybrid system taking up extra room over a standard engined model.
