Road Test
FIRST DRIVE
Volkswagen Passat GTE
Written by Richard Gooding
Before the arrival of the new all-electric model era, Volkswagen has freshened up the plug-in hybrid version of its mid-size Passat. Richard Gooding finds that a longer all-electric range is just one of the benefits What is it? Few may realise it, but the Passat is Volkswagen’s longest-running nameplate in current use. First appearing in 1973, over 30 million have since been sold. The eighth-generation model was introduced in 2014 and its new MQB modular platform brought a host of innovations. The perky yet parsimonious plug-in hybrid GTE arrived in 2015, and an extensively revised model went on sale in the summer of 2019. Volkswagen UK has high hopes for the updated car. The previous GTE accounted for one in ten UK Passat sales, but the improved car is expected to make up a quarter of the big VW’s registrations. That means one in four Passats will be the plug-in hybrid version. How does it drive? A traditional Volkswagen trait, the Passat PHEV has subtly evolved looks over its petrol and diesel relatives, and the car it replaces. Outside, the signature ‘C’-shaped front LED running lights are much more prominent, and along with the blue brake calipers, are the most notable changes. The range-topping GTE Advance on test here gains wheels an inch larger than the 17-inch ‘Nivelle’ rims fitted to the entry-level GTE. Less stylised ‘GTE’ badges also mark out the newcomer. Inside, the cabin appears much as before, but that’s no bad thing. A spacious place of comfort and quality, material quality is high, and logically placed controls make for good ergonomics. Things are much the same as before under the bonnet, too, with a 1.4-litre 148bhp petrol engine mated to an 85kW/114bhp electric motor. System output is 215bhp, but arguably the most beneficial change is the increased energy content in the battery, now rated at 13kWh up from 9.9kWh. Simpler driving modes also typify the new model. Three, rather than the five of the
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previous car are now available, the ‘Battery which translates into a range of between Hold’ and ‘Battery Charge’ functions now 33 and 36 miles of zero-emission distance incorporated into the ‘Hybrid’ mode. ‘E-Mode’ under the WLTP testing regime. Under the gives purely electric driving, ‘GTE’ unleashes previous NEDC testing cycle measurements, the power of the petrol engine and the electric the increase is more marked, the new model motor, and ‘Hybrid’ automatically switches recording an all-electric range of 43 miles between the two sources. The car rolls off in compared to the old car’s 31 miles. E-Mode and can be emission-free up to 87mph, whereupon the TSI petrol engine is supported How long does it take to charge? by the electric motor. Full-on GTE mode Two charging cables – 16A AC for home gives brisk performance – the car reaches wallbox/public charge points and a 10A mains 62mph from rest in 7.4 seconds – and also socket AC Type 2 – are included with the Passat adds a more dynamic feel to the accelerator GTE. The charging socket is under a flap in the pedal, shifts from the six-speed DSG gearbox, front grille, and using a 230V mains supply, and the steering, as well as producing a the battery is refilled in around five hours. sportier engine note. As well as plugging in That time falls to around three hours and 30 to charge, the Passat GTE’s battery can be minutes with a 7.6kW wallbox or 360V supply. refilled on the move, by either the TSI petrol The battery charger integrated into the car engine or by brake energy recuperation. manages the charging automatically. Out on the road the Passat GTE impresses with its high level of refinement. The What does it cost? switchover between electric motor and petrol Just as with the original model, Volkswagen has engine is almost seamless, and even at lower kept it simple with the latest Passat GTE. Only speeds the all-electric running is very smooth. two trims are available: entry-level GTE and the The car’s looks largely promise what its driving more technology-laden GTE Advance on test experience delivers – handsome comfort, a here. The comprehensively-equipped GTE starts refined cruiser, and a grown-up ride, all with a from £36,790 and includes 3Zone electronic little more pace when it’s needed. A technology air conditioning, an 8.0-inch boost is also a big selling point of the new ‘Discover Navigation’ Passat, with a suite of driver assistance colour touchscreen s systems that allow the car to drive in infotainment system p a h Per t s a partially automated mode, and with Bluetooth, o m e h recognise both temporary and Android Auto and one of t visions to e r permanent speed limits, as well as Apple CarPlay t n a t r impo Passat GTE is kerbs and grass verges. connectivity, the new ement of the blue ambient ov What range does it have? the impr -electric Perhaps one of the most all important revisions to the new range Passat GTE is the improvement of the all-electric range. Energy capacity of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by 31 per cent to 13kWh,
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