VW has revealed a plug-in hybrid variant of the Golf dubbed the "GTE" ahead of its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. The new five-door hatch is the second dedicated gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid from VW, following its limited volume XL1. Power comes from a 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline unit rated at 148 hp paired with a 101-hp electric motor (fitted within the gearbox housing) that combine to deliver 201 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

By comparison, the Golf GTI is rated at 217 hp and has the same 258 lb-ft of twist. Where the models differ is weight, with the Golf GTE tipping the scales at 1,524 kg thanks to a 200 kg lithium ion battery. The GTI is a svelte 1,351 kg. In electric mode the GTE boasts a 31-mile range and hits a top speed of 81 mph, in hybrid mode it can sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds en route to a 135 mph top speed, while with both engines working together it can be driven for 584 miles on a single charge. As a plug-in hybrid, the GTE returns an impressive 130 mpg and coughs up just 35 g/km of CO2.

The GTE's distinguishing features include a unique front bumper with LED positioning lamps, and has many of the GTI's styling albeit with blue instead of red accents. It also comes with widened sills, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, darkened taillamps and unique 16-inch alloys. Inside, the cabin sports a 6.5-inch touchscreen displaying standard hybrid features including a driving range monitor, an energy flow display, and an optional Discover Pro navigation system with a '360-degree driving range' function. An 'e-manager' system enables drivers to access vehicle data, such as state of charge, via a smartphone app. The Golf GTE is slated to go on sale later this year.