Used Volkswagen Golf GTE for sale: everything you need to know

The Golf GTE is effectively a plug-in hybrid version of the famous Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatchback. This second-generation model was launched in 2020 and gives buyers an alternative to the petrol-powered GTI, and the diesel-drinking Golf GTD.

It has the same strengths and weaknesses as its Golf siblings, and while it’s not quite as fun to drive thanks to weighing more (a result of the battery pack), it has the potential to be incredibly frugal if you’re able to make use of its battery range - and is still one of very few hot hatches that gives you this option.

As well as the GTI and GTD, other alternatives to the Golf GTE include similar models from other Volkswagen Group brands, such as the Audi A3 45 TFSIe, Cupra Leon eHybrid, and Skoda Octavia vRS iV. If you can make the leap to full electric power, the Cupra Born is also an interesting option.

Should you buy a Volkswagen Golf GTE?

A Volkswagen Golf is generally a pretty easy car to recommend, and in many ways that extends to the plug-in hybrid GTE too. Its main draw is the ability to perform more or less like Volkswagen’s iconic Golf GTI, but also cruise around on electric power for 40-odd miles to the benefit of both emissions, and your wallet.

The financial benefits of the GTE aren’t quite as great for used buyers as they are for new buyers or company users though. You only get a small VED tax saving compared to the petrol GTI and diesel GTD, and extracting the GTE’s best economy figures does rely on you being able to plug it in regularly and run around in EV mode.

When running entirely on electric power, performance isn’t quite up to GTI levels either - but when the engine kicks in, it’s really not that far behind its petrol counterpart, mainly held back by its extra weight. You feel that weight mostly in the way the GTE handles, though it’s still a fun car to drive, and it’s relaxed over long distances too.

Like all eighth-generation Golfs, the GTE’s interior looks and feels better than it operates - something that can be blamed mostly on the preponderance of touch-based controls over buttons and knobs. A dealership test drive may not be long enough to determine whether you could live with it or not, but in other respects (save reduced boot capacity, thanks to the batteries), living with the GTE should be quite pleasant indeed.

The GTE’s biggest rivals aren’t from other brands, but from the GTI and GTD - both are well worth considering if you aren’t likely to exploit the benefits of the GTE’s electric portion. If you do like the plug-in aspect, then that brings some other VW Group siblings into play, including the Audi A3 45 TFSIe, Cupra Leon eHybrid, and Skoda Octavia vRS iV.

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What’s the best used Volkswagen Golf GTE model to buy?

There’s just the one engine and trim level with the GTE so your choice is pretty much limited to finding a car in your preferred colour. Though depending on your needs, the GTI and GTD might sway you, the former being more fun to drive and the latter a frugal option if you don’t have the benefit of being able to plug the GTE in every night and make use of its EV range.

Used Volkswagen Golf GTE fuel economy and performance

• Volkswagen Golf GTE 1.4 TSI PHEV: The combination of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor results in 245PS, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. 0-62mph comes up in 6.7 seconds (around half a second slower than the GTI), but with up to 46 miles of EV range, VW quotes up to 235.4mpg combined.

What used Volkswagen Golf GTE trim levels are available?

Unlike the Golf GTI that gets additional performance variants, the GTE comes as just a single (and well-equipped) model to slot neatly into the range with the GTI and GTD. Visually it’s very similar to its petrol and diesel equivalents - most notable inside for its blue take on the famous ‘Jacara’ tartan pattern you’ll find in the GTI.

• The Volkswagen Golf GTE gets 17-inch alloy wheels (with 18-inch wheels an option), a heated leather GTE-badged steering wheel, a GTE exterior styling pack, illuminated front grille, red brake calipers, three-zone climate control, keyless entry, electric folding heated door mirrors, and five driving modes.

Used Volkswagen Golf GTE dimensions and boot size

The Volkswagen Golf GTE’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4396mm
• Width: 1789mm (without mirrors), 2073mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1491mm

The Volkswagen Golf GTE’s boot size is:

• 275 litres

Used Volkswagen Golf GTE road tax

The good news is that the Golf GTE cost just under £40,000 brand new, so avoids the government’s VED surcharge. Don’t expect a huge discount otherwise for going for a plug-in hybrid though - it’s only £10 cheaper than any other petrol or diesel model, so you’ll pay £170 a year to tax the GTE.

How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Golf GTE?

The Golf GTE will cost you more to insure than a regular Golf, but less than a GTI. The GTE sits in insurance group 27 - above the maximum 24 of other Golfs - but below the group 28 of a GTI.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf GTE review