Golf GTE - would it suit me?

User1998

Would a GOLF GTE suit me?

Just wondering could any electric/hybrid drivers and particularly GOLF GTE/ E GOLF drivers advise me if it would be a worthwhile purchase.

Please note
I can charge at home, but not work or college
Work & college < 3km from home
Also do longer trips but not every day
Current car 2013 Golf 2.0 TDI
Running costs are important but so is good power, spec, and aggressive styling (hence the GTD below)
I’ve also been wanting to get an automatic for a while now

I was going to import a 2015 Golf GTD. VRT is >€3,000 and insurance is €400 more
Golf GTE is only €1,000 to VRT and no additional insurance costs. It would cost about €15k all in, so less than a GTD.. Also having 200bhp for Bluemotion insurance costs is a big attraction for me being a 20 y/o

I know for this mileage people will suggest an e golf but this isn’t an option for me as the styling just isn’t for my liking, it just looks too standard for what I’m after and a GTI is unfortunately a no go due to insurance and budget

Another concern is how the batteries will perform as I will be looking at 1 owner company cars with full VW service history but they will generally have over 85k miles on the clock. I’m not concerned about the engine just the battery capability after that amount of miles. Should I stretch the budget and go lower mileage or maybe a year younger?

I feel like on paper the GTE would be perfect for me? College and work in E-Mode, anything else stick it in GTE mode? Any advise is appreciated !!

KCross

Should be no worries on the battery.

Any PHEV would suit with the mileage you’ve detailed.

I would recommend you drive one here before going to UK. The 200hp sounds good but it might not be as good as you expect with the way it transitions between motor and engine. Just try it first to be sure you’ll like it.

krissovo

Why would it not suit you? You have talked yourself out of every other option and your logic is sound plus you know golfs. Given your daily commute though i know if i was 20 i would be on a bike/ebike just from a health perspective.

I would test drive a i3 if i were you given your description above, they have supercar performance under 50kph and unique styling which is very different from a golf. They have a fun factor that even puts a smile on my “old” face after owning a few high performance cars and the best thing is the i3 performance is in the range where its difficult to lose your license and should save points on your license.

adunis

Buy an i3,if you can insure it.
Do I have to rant about hybrids again?
Not only are they just a tax dodge/ waste of reasources they appear to be an insurance dodge now as well.

adunis

adunis wrote: »

Buy an i3,if you can insure it.
Do I have to rant about hybrids again?
Not only are they just a tax dodge/ waste of reasources they appear to be an insurance dodge now as well.

Are you taking about the i3 here or normal hybrid ?

For anyone unaware, The i3 is a PHEV unlike any other, it is unique , there is no other PHEV that with as much range as the 21 or 33 Kwh, the 33 kwh battery looks to be more robust, we'll see in a year or two, current indications are impressive. 150-220 Kms range.

The i3 is also the "only" PHEV that is 100% driven by the electric motor 100% of the time. The Petrol Generator comes on only to maintain a certain battery % ( from 75% and below) or it comes on automatically at 6.5%.

It's also the Only PHEV with 50 Kw fast charging and 3 phase 11 Kw AC charger built in.

Best thing about the i3 Rex is passing queues at chargers.

adunis

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Are you taking about the i3 here or normal hybrid ?

For anyone unaware, The i3 is a PHEV unlike any other, it is unique , there is no other PHEV that with as much range as the 21 or 33 Kwh, the 33 kwh battery looks to be more robust, we'll see in a year or two, current indications are impressive. 150-220 Kms range.

The i3 is also the "only" PHEV that is 100% driven by the electric motor 100% of the time. The Petrol Generator comes on only to maintain a certain battery % ( from 75% and below) or it comes on automatically at 6.5%.

It's also the Only PHEV with 50 Kw fast charging and 3 phase 11 Kw AC charger built in.

Best thing about the i3 Rex is passing queues at chargers.[/quote

Aw come on mad mad you know I don't mind the i3 with the emergency little suitcase generator on board its all the other ones I have the problem with

Third_Echelon

User1998 wrote: »

I know for this mileage people will suggest an e golf but this isn’t an option for me as the styling just isn’t for my liking, it just looks too standard for what I’m after and a GTI is unfortunately a no go due to insurance and budget

You've just talked yourself out of a very good car in the eGolf, which is 100% bang-on for your usage! It has great acceleration, handles like a dream and cost of running for you would be minimal.

Apart from the checkerboard seats (which is a great classic look), the styling of the eGolf and the GTE is virtually the same if you change the alloys.

You could maybe stick a set of boy racer alloys on the eGolf if you want?! But then you'd be missing out on some efficiency with the aero-wheels that come as stock.

What is the specific styling details that you want? Because, you mightn't be that far away from it and it's not really a big deal at the end of the day for a commuter car.

charlieIRL

Not a lot wrong with an eGolf, and I’m talking from (a very brief) experience !

Can’t fault looks at all.

DaveyDave

You could get your current Golf remapped to GTD power but a diesel isn't ideal for such a short commute.

With such a short commute you'd get a few days running on electric only, throwing it into GTE mode for some fun.

User1998

KCross: Yes you are right I definitely should give one a test drive.. Never even crossed my mind to be honest as the ones in Ireland are out of budget. I’d hate to pretend I’m interested in purchasing someones car and take it for a test drive but I guess it has to be done before fully committing.

Krissovo: To be honest my last 4 cars have been Volkswagen and I have formed a bit of brand loyalty, I think with the i3 people either love or hate the way they look and unfortunately I couldn’t bare to be seen in one (Just personal preference!)

Third Echelon & Charlie: The eGolf would definitely get me by day to day it’s just more so the styling (and it seems slightly out of budget to be honest), Yes the seats are different but also the gloss black centre console which I love in my Golf isn’t present on alot (all?) of the early eGolf’s, upgraded steering wheel from a golf gti, twin exhausts etc. Generally the GTE taking its looks from the GTI and the eGolf being based on a match model. There isn’t a lot between the mk7.5 eGolf and GTE but my budget restricts me to the mk7. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable going straight to a fully electric vehicle just yet but I get the impression that the electric only mode will be addictive. eGolf could be a possible further down the line as I don’t tend to keep cars for a very long time

DaveyDave: I considered it but my current Golf has 180k miles so I think its time for an upgrade.. And yes that was the plan, short commutes in electric mode and GTE mode for a bit of fun!

Casati

Sounds like the GTE is perfect for you. If buying a higher mileage one be v careful with service history - ideally you want to see service every 15km. Can’t see why you’d want to spend more for the eGolf

adunis

adunis wrote: »

Aw come on mad mad you know I don't mind the i3 with the emergency little suitcase generator on board its all the other ones I have the problem with

What are you talking about, it's got a proper backup generator, larger than a suitcase !

Rex, Mad_Lad style, I can easily reach around to start her !

User1998

Casati wrote: »

Sounds like the GTE is perfect for you. If buying a higher mileage one be v careful with service history - ideally you want to see service every 15km. Can’t see why you’d want to spend more for the eGolf

I’ve had plenty of high mileage diesel Golfs with full service history and none have ever given me trouble (140k, 155k, 180k miles) But petrol I’m not so confident about, the max I’d go is 100k miles.. Full service history is definitely a must for me

User1998

User1998 wrote: »

Krissovo: To be honest my last 4 cars have been Volkswagen and I have formed a bit of brand loyalty, I think with the i3 people either love or hate the way they look and unfortunately I couldn’t bare to be seen in one (Just personal preference!)

It's funny, I thought exactly the same until I actually sat in it and drove it on some back roads, then I bought it and still very happy with it, love driving it

Shefwedfan

What is the difference between and GTE and eGolf styling?

I thought they are more or less the same apart from the blue stripe in the eGolf?

charlieIRL

Shefwedfan wrote: »

What is the difference between and GTE and eGolf styling?

I thought they are more or less the same apart from the blue stripe in the eGolf?

Apart from the tartan seats, I can’t see many differences.

DaveyDave

Please excuse the heavily brightened picture. Both cars have LED lights around where the fogs are on the standard Golf and GTI respectively, but bumpers seem similar to each standard model.

Hard to tell from the dark pictures. GTI/GTE bumpers a lot sportier looking in person.

Don't remember if the steering wheels are different like Golf Vs GTI is. Seats obviously different, much more supportive on GTE.

Shefwedfan

charlieIRL wrote: »

Apart from the tartan seats, I can’t see many differences.

Those tartan seats are awful

User1998

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Those tartan seats are awful

Some have full black leather which is alot nicer imo, Most people rather tartan in the GTI, only difference is its red in the GTI and blue in the GTE

charlieIRL

User1998 wrote: »

Some have full black leather which is alot nicer imo, Most people rather tartan in the GTI, only difference is its red in the GTI and blue in the GTE

This is the interior of my one.......

NBar

charlieIRL wrote: »

This is the interior of my one.......

Where did you get those interior floor mats

charlieIRL

and the outside....

charlieIRL

They came with it NBar, i said i didn't want the regular ones when i ordered it.

NBar

charlieIRL wrote: »

They came with it NBar, i said i didn't want the regular ones when i ordered it.

So they are oem ones I can get from the main dealer

NBar

User1998 wrote: »

Would a GOLF GTE suit me?

Just wondering could any electric/hybrid drivers and particularly GOLF GTE/ E GOLF drivers advise me if it would be a worthwhile purchase.

Please note
I can charge at home, but not work or college
Work & college < 3km from home
Also do longer trips but not every day
Current car 2013 Golf 2.0 TDI
Running costs are important but so is good power, spec, and aggressive styling (hence the GTD below)
I’ve also been wanting to get an automatic for a while now

I was going to import a 2015 Golf GTD. VRT is >€3,000 and insurance is €400 more
Golf GTE is only €1,000 to VRT and no additional insurance costs. It would cost about €15k all in, so less than a GTD.. Also having 200bhp for Bluemotion insurance costs is a big attraction for me being a 20 y/o

I know for this mileage people will suggest an e golf but this isn’t an option for me as the styling just isn’t for my liking, it just looks too standard for what I’m after and a GTI is unfortunately a no go due to insurance and budget

Another concern is how the batteries will perform as I will be looking at 1 owner company cars with full VW service history but they will generally have over 85k miles on the clock. I’m not concerned about the engine just the battery capability after that amount of miles. Should I stretch the budget and go lower mileage or maybe a year younger?

I feel like on paper the GTE would be perfect for me? College and work in E-Mode, anything else stick it in GTE mode? Any advise is appreciated !!

get a test spin and you can decide but with claimed 204hp with both electric and petrol in use in GTE mode you might be convinced

charlieIRL

NBar wrote: »

So they are oem ones I can get from the main dealer

Yes you can indeed. I don’t know how much they are though.

Mike9832

User1998 wrote: »

I’ve had plenty of high mileage diesel Golfs with full service history and none have ever given me trouble (140k, 155k, 180k miles) But petrol I’m not so confident about, the max I’d go is 100k miles.. Full service history is definitely a must for me

How long did you have them, a few weeks ?

Thought you were 20?

User1998

Mike9832 wrote: »

How long did you have them, a few weeks ?

Thought you were 20?

Rougly 4-6 months at a time, I just keep settling for cars that don’t tick all my boxes but I feel the GTE could be the car I settle down with lol

Shefwedfan

The eGolf comes with those mats, I have had in both

Mike9832

User1998 wrote: »

Rougly 4-6 months at a time, I just keep settling for cars that don’t tick all my boxes but I feel the GTE could be the car I settle down with lol

If I was 20, I wouldnt be driving a phev or an ev

Maybe a Tesla

GTE sounds great in theory, but you'll need to be using engine all the time to get performance out of it and battery will drain quickly, after that you have a 1600kg car with a 1.4l petrol engine

Much prefer a 1000kg Clio RS or something and keep money for petrol/insurance

Phev/EV are for the old timers here

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-clio-rs-200-cup-uk-reg/23050092

Shefwedfan

Mike9832 wrote: »

If I was 20, I wouldnt be driving a phev or an ev

Maybe a Tesla

GTE sounds great in theory, but you'll need to be using engine all the time to get performance out of it and battery will drain quickly, after that you have a 1600kg car with a 1.4l petrol engine

Much prefer a 1000kg Clio RS or something and keep money for petrol/insurance

Phev/EV are for the old timers here

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-clio-rs-200-cup-uk-reg/23050092

It’s a certain type of person would drive that Clio.....will leave it at that

The OP is doing 3km.....how much battery do you expect them to use up over the 3km even if hammering the car?

PHEV/EV are now old timers?

User1998

Mike9832 wrote: »

If I was 20, I wouldnt be driving a phev or an ev

Maybe a Tesla

GTE sounds great in theory, but you'll need to be using engine all the time to get performance out of it and battery will drain quickly, after that you have a 1600kg car with a 1.4l petrol engine

Much prefer a 1000kg Clio RS or something and keep money for petrol/insurance

Phev/EV are for the old timers here

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-clio-rs-200-cup-uk-reg/23050092

In fairness its a 1.4 tsi with 150bhp, not exactly slow and thats with a dead battery which I can’t see happening very often. Your right a little car like that is very fun to drive but I couldn’t live with something like that every day, the cheap plastics and lack of quality spec would put me off.. And I’m not exactly a boy racer either haha

Mike9832

Shefwedfan wrote: »

It’s a certain type of person would drive that Clio.....will leave it at that

The OP is doing 3km.....how much battery do you expect them to use up over the 3km even if hammering the car?

PHEV/EV are now old timers?

Yes a slim one

Doubt you'd fit in one

Mike9832

User1998 wrote: »

In fairness its a 1.4 tsi with 150bhp, not exactly slow and thats with a dead battery which I can’t see happening very often. Your right a little car like that is very fun to drive but I couldn’t live with something like that every day, the cheap plastics and lack of quality spec would put me off.. And I’m not exactly a boy racer either haha

Golf GTi then

150bhp and 1600kg is slow

User1998

Mike9832 wrote: »

Golf GTi then

150bhp and 1600kg is slow

Regardless I can’t see battery being dead alot of the time as I can charge from home.. GTI is a no go because of the insurance and way out of budget

Mike9832

User1998 wrote: »

Regardless I can’t see battery being dead alot of the time as I can charge from home.. GTI is a no go because of the insurance and way out of budget

Thats true

330e would be similar money, not sure on insurance

Mike9832

Mike9832 wrote: »

Golf GTi then

150bhp and 1600kg is slow

Depends on the torque. Torque is what accelerates, HP gives the ability to accelerate, the total HP can be manipulated to provide more torque at the lower end, mid or top, but no doubt without battery power performance will notably drop.

I'd definitely give the i3 a spin, it's addictive.

Shefwedfan

Mike9832 wrote: »

Golf GTi then

150bhp and 1600kg is slow

Not sure why your giving advice about what car is slow or not

Have you ever even driven any of the cars you talk about?

How is the Skoda going?

Mike9832

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Not sure why your giving advice about what car is slow or not

Have you ever even driven any of the cars you talk about?

How is the Skoda going?

I have

Great

DaveyDave

According to reviews the actual range is around 32km. That's a full week of EV only commuting for the OP.

Yes, hybrid is heavier and fuel economy on petrol isn't good but worst case scenario I doubt they'd be stuck on petrol alone for a long trip.

I know some disagree with hybrid compared to BEV but it's a cleaner and more economical option to a GTI and almost as fast. Faster than a standard 1.4/1.5 TSI. A hybrid would work for such a short commute.

The GTE is a nice car, it's fun to drive. Might not handle as well as a GTI due to the weight but I doubt it would spoil the fun on public roads. It's been two years since the eGolf event, but I don't remember the GTE feeling overweight.

Shefwedfan

Mike9832 wrote: »

I have

Great

I think it’s easier if you tell us which cars you haven’t test drove.....

NBar

OP Go for the GTE as it will suit your current needs and to be honest I think you know you want one but just need reassurance, I doubt you will regret getting one and if you don't you can always change again in a few months, if sourcing in UK you would want to have it asap before the 31st and vrt'd etc

flanzer

OP, I had been looking at all the PHEVs, and have similar driving requirements to yourself.

I drove the GTE and loved it. I drove a 330e and equally loved it. I've had 3 Golfs in the past - 2 x Mk 4 and 1 x Mk5. The boot space was always an issue for me, particularly for the golf clubs, but I was younger then, I liked the Golfs, and had some brand loyalty! The current GTE is worse in the boot space though, due to the battery. That was a deal breaker for me, and for my current needs

I'm heading over to the Uk to collect a 2016 330e on Friday. It has 78000 miles, but a BMW full service history, with 4 stamps, and 1 owner. The battery reduces the size of the boot in the 330e over the standard 3 series, not by much though. The golf clubs will comfortably fit in, without having to take them apart!

I got it through Flipping Cars, and found that the prices didn't differ too much from the GTEs. My insurance will go up about €100, over the 09 Accord i had previously

My 2 cents OP - you're young. You probably don't need a boot. Go for the GTE

BTW, I love the tartan throwback to the Golf Mk1, but I suppose it's like marmite to some!

User1998

NBar wrote: »

OP Go for the GTE as it will suit your current needs and to be honest I think you know you want one but just need reassurance, I doubt you will regret getting one and if you don't you can always change again in a few months, if sourcing in UK you would want to have it asap before the 31st and vrt'd etc

Yeah It definitely suits my needs on paper I was just making sure I haven’t missed something.. I’d like it to be a car that I keep for a while but as you said there would be no money lost if I sold it in 6 months time if it was a case of me not liking the car (which I couldn’t see happening). Yeah I’l definitely have to be quick with brexit approaching!

User1998

flanzer wrote: »

OP, I had been looking at all the PHEVs, and have similar driving requirements to yourself.

I drove the GTE and loved it. I drove a 330e and equally loved it. I've had 3 Golfs in the past - 2 x Mk 4 and 1 x Mk5. The boot space was always an issue for me, particularly for the golf clubs, but I was younger then, I liked the Golfs, and had some brand loyalty! The current GTE is worse in the boot space though, due to the battery. That was a deal breaker for me, and for my current needs

I'm heading over to the Uk to collect a 2016 330e on Friday. It has 78000 miles, but a BMW full service history, with 4 stamps, and 1 owner. The battery reduces the size of the boot in the 330e over the standard 3 series, not by much though. The golf clubs will comfortably fit in, without having to take them apart!

I got it through Flipping Cars, and found that the prices didn't differ too much from the GTEs. My insurance will go up about €100, over the 09 Accord i had previously

My 2 cents OP - you're young. You probably don't need a boot. Go for the GTE

BTW, I love the tartan throwback to the Golf Mk1, but I suppose it's like marmite to some!

Yes the GTE has 110 litres less boot space but boot space has never been an issue for me and probably won’t be for the next few years.. I’d be looking at 1 owner full service history as well, most of them are because there mostly just ex companies cars who’s 3 year lease is up. I’ve used Flipping Cars before and thats who I will be using again. My insurance is €75 more over my current 2.0 tdi. For some reason I much rather the GTI tartan seats with red accents, I think the full leather in the GTE looks great

Shefwedfan

I bought Outlander PHEV.....similar range as the GTE.....so far since I got have done 130miles on it....this morning checked and average ltr/100km on petrol is 0.0....now I am off on hols and just doing small trips and topping up but if you are in the range of the battery then they are perfect.....

User1998

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I bought Outlander PHEV.....similar range as the GTE.....so far since I got have done 130miles on it....this morning checked and average ltr/100km on petrol is 0.0....now I am off on hols and just doing small trips and topping up but if you are in the range of the battery then they are perfect.....

Sounds good, I’m fairly confident that I could do at least 80% of driving in electric only mode, that being said even if I had a full battery I’d still be putting it in GTE mode a fair bit lol

krissovo

There are 10 available for auction next week so you have some choice to beat brexit. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for what’s available but a couple of gems.

User1998

krissovo wrote: »

There are 10 available for auction next week so you have some choice to beat brexit. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for what’s available but a couple of gems.

Theres a good few on autotrader in budget as well, I could always just get a VRT appointment down the country, supposedly you can get one within a couple of days in certain county's so that gives me a bit more time.. I don’t want want to rush into things so I’d like to wait for a white one, high(ish) miles and nice spec, even if it means buying Irish then so be it

Shefwedfan

User1998 wrote: »

Sounds good, I’m fairly confident that I could do at least 80% of driving in electric only mode, that being said even if I had a full battery I’d still be putting it in GTE mode a fair bit lol

My other car is eGolf....:P..