Efficient drive system. Volkswagen has developed a new full hybrid drive system for the Golf and the T-Roc. The efficient drive system is called ‘Hybrid’ and is now making its global debut appearance in the two compact bestsellers. The new drive system comprises the integration of two electric motors and a turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) in one unit. The hybrid drive does not require an external charging interface and still enables all-electric driving up to approx. 60 km/h. Its efficiency is clearly reflected in WLTP consumption values of as low as 5.6 litres (depending on model and equipment), coasting with the TSI switched off and long combined WLTP ranges of more than 800 kilometres.
In addition, the new drive system offers excellent performance when moving off and exceptional low-end torque during acceleration, as the electric drive motor supports the four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine like an electric booster. The driving experience on board the new Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid is therefore similar to that of all-electric vehicles, especially since a one-speed gearbox transfers the drive power to the front wheels linearly and without any noticeable interruption in tractive power. The newly developed operating strategy automatically coordinates the combination of the drive sources and ensures that switching from a conventional petrol, diesel or mild hybrid vehicle to the new Volkswagen models with full hybrid drive is possible without a long familiarisation period. The Golf Hybrid and the T-Roc Hybrid are available with a system power of 100 kW (136 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS). Sales of both models have already started in many European countries.
Charging takes place while driving. Depending on the situation, the energy for the electric drive of the Golf Hybrid and the T-Roc Hybrid is generated by recuperation or additionally by the second electric motor working as a generator. In this case, the generator is driven by the TSI engine. The turbocharged petrol engine then temporarily takes over the function of a range extender. Above around 60 km/h, the new hybrid models are powered by the TSI alone or by a combination of the petrol engine and electric motor. The turbocharged petrol engine also switches on as soon as the driver dynamically requests a high output – for example, by using the kickdown function when overtaking.
New hybrid for even more choice. With the introduction of the new full hybrid models, Volkswagen is expanding its range in the high-volume compact and SUV segment. The new hybrid system can be identified by the designation ‘Hybrid’ on the rear of the respective model and closes the gap here between the mild hybrid, which is already available as ‘eTSI’, and the plug-in hybrids. These can be ordered for the Golf under the label eHybrid or also as a sporty Golf GTE.
In contrast to a mild hybrid (eTSI), the new full hybrid can be driven with all-electric power. Also important is the fact that unlike with a plug-in hybrid drive, the new full hybrid does not require a wallbox or other external charging options. This is because the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid were developed to cater to drivers who value partially electric driving in the city and high drive efficiency, but who do not have access to charging infrastructure in their private or professional environment. This fact also makes the two new hybrid models interesting for markets where electric mobility has so far failed to gain a foothold due to a lack of infrastructure. In addition, a number of markets have legally regulated incentives for consumers choosing a vehicle with lower CO2 emissions.
Low consumption, long ranges. The new Volkswagen hybrid system has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and thus also fuel costs. A comparison between the Golf Life Hybrid and the Golf Life eTSI shows this clearly: in the 100 kW version, the new hybrid drive consumes around 11 per cent less than the eTSI with 85 kW (combined WLTP values in each case in the most fuel-efficient version). The WLTP consumption values of the full-hybrid models in detail: for the Golf Hybrid, this results in 5.0 to 4.5 l/100 km (100 kW) and 5.1 to 4.6 l/100 km (125 kW). The corresponding values of the T-Roc Hybrid: 5.5 to 4.9 l/100 km (100 kW) and 5.6 to 5.0 l/100 km (125 kW).
Automatic hybrid control. At speeds up to around 60 km/h and with normal power requirements, the Golf Hybrid and the T-Roc Hybrid drive electrically as often as possible. The new hybrid drive comes into its own in urban areas in particular. This is because the electric motor can replace the TSI engine in operating ranges where an electric motor is more efficient than a petrol engine. This can reduce fuel consumption and emissions and also enhance comfort, as both Volkswagen models are particularly quiet in this case, produce hardly any drivetrain vibrations and deliver a dynamic performance when pulling away as the electric drive motor is able to provide maximum torque straight away. The TSI switches on, for example, if the energy stored in the battery is no longer sufficient for driving on electric power alone or if the vehicle accelerates sharply. In general, the petrol engine also ensures a long combined range. In addition to the fuel range, the driver can also have the overall range displayed on the instrument panel. Parallel to this, the current energy flow can be shown on the infotainment display.
Three smart operating modes. Three modes are available on board the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid. These are automatically controlled by the engine/motor control unit depending on the operating profile. The front axle is always powered.
- Electric driving using the electric drive motor only. At speeds of up to around 60 km/h, the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid are powered by the electric motor alone as often as possible. In this case, the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is switched off.
- Series drive configuration with electric motor and TSI. Here, too, both Volkswagen vehicles are powered electrically. The TSI is decoupled but active in order to generate energy for the electric motor via a generator motor in an optimal operating window and thus extend the electric range.
- Parallel drive configuration with TSI and electric motor. The turbocharged petrol engine is active as the primary drive system from approx. 60 km/h on country roads and motorways. The electric drive motor supports the turbocharged engine as required, for example, as a booster when accelerating. Depending on the operating window of the TSI, energy is also generated here via the generator motor for charging the battery.
Golf Hybrid – versions and performance. The new full hybrid drives are available in the Golf from the Life equipment line upwards. The Golf Life Hybrid always has the drive with a system power of 100 kW and system torque of 288 Nm on board. The more exclusive Style and R-Line models are offered with the more powerful 125 kW drive (310 Nm system torque). With the 100 kW system, the Golf Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; with 125 kW, the value for the 0–100 km/h sprint is 7.5 seconds. The maximum speed of all Golf Hybrid versions is limited to 180 km/h.
T-Roc Hybrid – versions and performance. The T-Roc Hybrid is also available from the Life specification upwards. It is also equipped with the 100 kW drive in this version. The T-Roc can be configured as both Style and R-Line versions with the two power levels. All T-Roc Hybrid models are electronically limited to a top speed of 180 km/h. The 100 kW versions accelerate to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds; with 125 kW, the SUV completes the classic sprint in 8.5 seconds.
In terms of price, the new full hybrid models are positioned between the mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Taking Germany as an example: here the version with 100 kW (136 PS) in the Golf Life specification is available at prices starting from 37,505 euros; the T-Roc Life with identical engine configuration is offered at a price of 37,545 euros.
Configured in just a few steps. As with the T-Roc, Volkswagen has completely restructured the Golf’s equipment range for greater clarity, while also upgrading the standard specifications across the board. Volkswagen has linked standard and optional individual features and packages to the respective equipment lines in a way that matches the combinations preferred by customers. This allows the vehicles to be specifically customised beyond their equipment versions.