Volkswagen Golf GTE and e-Golf 2018 review | Mat Vlogs

I'm in Majorca on a special event run by Volkswagen, where I'll get to test out the whole new range of Volkswagen Golfs. First two I've managed to get my greedy little hands on, are the the GTE, the plugin hybrid, and the e-Golf, the all electric version. Obviously these cars get the updated design as well but, how do they compare to the petrol and diesel cousins? Let's find out as I drive around sunny Spain!
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[@Ah01]

The whole idea of a plug-in is to commute solely in electric and still have the range outside that for occasional longer driving, without worries about the loading stations. And it works like a charm for that.

Well yes but in my mind £32,000 is a lot of money for an electric car like that which is going to have to be a second car. I'd rather get the GTE as my only car or a Renault Zoe as a second car which is cheaper and has an almost better range now than the e-Golf.

[@ETKninja]

something tells me he doesn't really like the GTE 🤔

[@kithsiri09]

ETKninja correct

[@erebostd]

Because the eGolf is so much better 😁👍

[@marcusl9437]

GTE mode is not normal hybrid-mode. There is a normal hybrid-auto-mode. GTE is when you want all the power available.

[@tomsixsix]

The total system power is pretty similar in hybrid mode versus GTE. If you floor it in hybrid mode you still get boost I am not sure if it is the same total power but it feels pretty close to me.

[@gunthervanjauchensberg1338]

In gte mode u get 100% from the 1.4tsi but only 50% from the e motor. But there are tuners witch can enable this power witch gives the gte 470nm and i think 250ps

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

@@gunthervanjauchensberg1338 285/480 is the numbers

[@alirezaarab1983]

Does the DCC option make the ride quality better? I have heard that because of the batteries, the suspension had to be stiffened and hence the ride quality is sacrificed.

[@tysonvanpelt6126]

one of the best reviewers. never get bored of watching him. or even Rebecca when they were co reviewers.

[@erikny3137]

Really like your videos! Good job and great sense of humour 👍

[@martinallenuk]

Ive uprated the shocks to Koni Active Sport and 30mm loverjng springs and its transformed the drive. Summer I get 170mpg and winter (Now) currently sitting at an average of 98mpg.

[@sketchpro12]

Been driving the eGolf for almost 3 years.... LOVE it! And I came straight from an R32.... the eGolf is the future, and you just can't go back once you've tasted the future. IMO the only downfall for the eGolf is the 'eco' tires with their tall sidewalls and low rolling resistance. Drop an eGolf on better tires/ rims and even some GTI suspension and it would be sweet!

[@scouseandy07]

Just ordered my e-golf. What kind of range do you actually get. I do about 12 miles on the motor way to work will it drain the battery?

[@dariusparker894]

@@scouseandy07 the car will take 12 miles out of the range so it will drain it a bit but 12 miles is probs about 5% hope this helps

[@othmannl]

Ordered it in November, can’t wait to recieve it Constructionyear 2020

[@erebostd]

@@othmannl bought mine yesterday. Can’t wait to get it 😁👍

[@othmannl]

@@erebostd I already sold it 2 monthhs a go, I drove 51000km in one year

[@RobinH8869]

Mat, Good review but whenever you're reviewing electric plug in's the charging speed / spec if really important real world. What is the standard spec re charging with either of these cars please? So they come with rapid chargers?

[@Selleswiet]

Is Android Auto or Apple Carplay in any way compatible with the virtual cockpit? Or is that just limited to the main screen in the center?

[@MrEolicus]

Great review. Informative and fun. Cheers.

[@vetex007]

Hi Matt. A bit confused as you endorse the e-golf compared to the GTE, but the e-golf is not available on carwow and the GTE is available. How you explain that?

[@MoAV15]

5:43; that was hilarious when I thought that the VW e-Golf was stripped apart.

[@BestCarSound]

GTE now looks the meanest of the range!

[@GrumpyMansREVIEWS]

I love golfs the drive is effortless

[@rocketman4315]

I've driven the GTE once and it's a great car to drive, really aggressive acceleration combined with the practicality of the Golf! However, waaaay to overpriced for what you get!!

[@wiggumo]

It's now 2nd hand 13k. 15k

[@V1PERB3ATZ]

@@wiggumo worth it now? Also many realisability problems?

[@wiggumo]

@@V1PERB3ATZ had to sell it. Divorced wife took everything except for my pokemon cards. Tough times

[@V1PERB3ATZ]

@@wiggumo ah that’s why I don’t want to marry

[@doktorcamacatzy9271]

@@V1PERB3ATZ I've owned a 2016 model for over a year now. so far no issues apart from the drivers mirror that decided to delaminate take a tumble. The battery can still reliably take me 35-37km on a full charge (I live in hills and need to take the motorway which drains what the car says when fully charged, 44km). I usually get about 850 -1200km on a full 40L tank depending on how and where I drive (most I've used in one go was 37L which got me the 1200km mark). Most issues i've read online were in regard to the software and other cabin electrics fuzzing out so really depends on the car. I would recommend probably getting a Passat gte if you find one at the same price as its the same drivetrain layout but with passat features and a 55L fuel tank as opposed to a 40L. but it's personal preference at that point. (I will add my golf is pretty basic, it doesn't have the winter pack, reverse sensors, digital instrument cluster and bigger infotainment screen. Which, honestly, I really only liked the sound of the winter pack for the heated seats, gets pretty cold in NZ. the other features I can live without)

[@MrLee1m]

Awesome as always Mat love all your reviews. So good to hear a fellow Walsall accent as I live on the broadway mate!

[@fabers92]

Lee Mas for me, it's generic 'Midlands ish/ brum' and one of my least favourite. Have to say it's growing on me though, and Mat has developed as a reviewer over the years.

[@rickosetiadi4097]

If I had money as much as that, I would go to the Golf E and upgrade its look by installing the Golf R bodykit

[@popey1610]

Will you be doing a gtd review ?

[@greghamblin367]

As always, good review. Matt! ...you look good in the glasses. 🤓

[@sakariaskarlsson634]

Its great that vw makes the golf gte, it proves that cheap(ish) fast cars will be around in the future, but im not sold on this hybrid performance thing from vw and volvo yet, they never seem to be as fast as an equally powerful gas car

[@markmayfield5673]

the e golfs not listed on carwow

[@jerzh9366]

Could you make e-golf vs e-golf (golf cart) video? ☺

[@alexanderdunning6586]

I'd love a GTE, but there are just too many other great cars at that price point - not to mention the fact that after aggressive dealer discounts the Passat GTE is barely any more expensive.

[@stephenEs3532]

yea but none are a golf 🤣

[@jameshaselup5238]

I have last years GTE, the only reason you get a GTE is because they are cheap as chips on company car tax and you end up with a awesome car that in total costs less than most high power diesels. Nice review Mat, i would also mention... The moans: I have only ever got 21 miles max out of the battery on a slow drive, you will never get 30 miles, after that you get between 40-45 mpg depending on the drive, don't believe the electric mileage or mpg on the clocks, they lie! DO NOT BOTHER WITH VW SAT NAV the apple car play/android auto are far far better than VW nav, the fake engine noise speaker under the bonnet which comes on in GTE mode is so annoying I unplugged mine, in manual mode the gearbox changes gear for you if you redline which is good for the engine i guess but it feels like it's driving for you, the steering doesn't feel feedbacky/exciting, trying to get the key out can be a challenge and it makes too many annoying beeps/bongs. The Awesome stuff: Electric mode is really fun and torquey for the 21 miles and for some reason you can still change gear in it, Hybrid/GTE mode you get the initial electric torque and then the super revvyness of the 1.4tsi :D it feels about on par with the mk5 GTI if a tad faster, the ride is in my opinion perfect, firm but comfortable, the interior and heated seats even without the leather option are really nice, you get loads of standard stuff as standard, 18" alloys, great headlights, good sound system, fantastic adaptive cruise control (a tad aggressive if you are trying to cruise) In my opinion you have to really throw it into a corner to feel the extra weight but most people who buy these wont be driving on the limits of grip, If you want an awesome company car look no further, if you need a bigger boot get the Passat GTE version, if it's your money don't bother, just buy a GTI or Cupra R (Both FWD and awesome fun) i would always have a full manual instead of DSG, the DSG in the GTE takes the fun away for me, big time. If your an ecomaniac get a i3 or wait for a carbon fibre e golf 8-)

[@coyote5735]

21 miles on battery power hardly worth the bother is it. I would love to see the carbon footprint of these cars including manufacturing. So when the battery is drained you are consuming more petrol lugging around all that dead weight; it's all a bit bonkers.

[@coyote5735]

Buy a bike!!

[@callumwash3004]

What was your overall average MPG on ur car mate?

[@benderdiver]

There are no Egolfs in uk,vw customers services told me there is only one and thats in London there will be none till feb 2018,but only if dealer orders,

[@sebastiaannoppe]

What about the passat GTE ?

[@theteacake]

"..makes me wanna do another gesture at it..." - I died..

[@davidwebster2616]

GTE = not available in the US?

[@user-gw5qi9tw1t]

Range on full charge ? How long to full charge ? This or a 1.2 engine golf ?? First car Or 1.4 gte

[@freefallu]

im a youtube premuium user and the link you pointed to for discount didnt appear. Should also put it in the description.. That being said thanks for the review looks much nicer than the Ioniq but 6.4L per 100 ????

[@roblombardi7099]

I like the two fingered gesture at the gesture controls, lol.

[@BLX187]

ill be up for this.. but plug in points are too rare right now

[@Davoet]

Great car. Great concept. I charge it everyday to roam around in electric only mode. Highways on petrol. And it's hella fun to drive too!

[@adamali2072]

Is There a mod where you Only drive on gas?

[@Davoet]

@@adamali2072 Yes! This mode charges the battery.

[@jeffreysegal2065]

The display is so interesting, I might forget to watch the road.

[@LukeSummersgill]

looking fresh with that trim mat.

[@MrDillas1]

the gestures cracked me up lmao

[@MegaTechGuy]

My favourite car, the GTE! ;)

[@martinallenuk]

MegaTechGuy Racist.

[@swiggityswoater4191]

Martin Allen how

[@ir0n2541]

The issue with the Egolf is when you decide to take it to locations which do not have charging stations.

[@FelixO]

I love the golf. such an awesome car.

[@nickolastiguan]

5:43 haha good one!

[@maxsweeney2032]

Full 2017 golf review please

[@adeelnazir1261]

Can you do the Passat gte review please

[@markusdeep42]

IoooI The steering wheel is at left and not surprised that Matt is searching for the start button. 7.6 seconds /100m. 6.4 l/Km still huge in consumption than a Lexus. How many times it takes the battery to charge fully ? £32,000 (35000€). Extremely expensive.

[@tibortatrai2318]

32k for the E? Same price for the model 3 by tesla when it arrives. I like the idea of having an E car but the range must be at least 500km/400mls real then maybe will get one.

[@constantinab5844]

Price?

[@badabing8884]

Would like to see how the Tesla 3 compares to the e-golf, when the former released next year.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Have you looked at the price difference?

[@dvtap3860]

I love how nobody mentions the battery hire cost each month as if it doesn’t matter. “Spend nothing going to work” isn’t technically true. Good review though!

[@GrrMeister]

7:38 - I would love you to drive my Mercedes B200 CDi AMG line Diesel 72 mpg (1400 rpm 7th Gear) at 65 mph and be able to detect any engine noise - answer you can't - all you can hear is slight wind and tyre (low profile) noise which varies depending on road surface, as with any car.

[@IcyUpNorth]

I wish they would put a range extender in the e-golf like BMW did in the i3. I understand that VW doesn't have motorbike engines laying around in their warehouse that coincidentally could be used as a petrol-generator and the fact that developing one would be quite expensive. And at the same time VW wants to sell more 1.4 TSI engines since they've put down huge sums into developing it. Am I missing something?

[@nizzle5176]

Inbakad Potatis the pure electric car is the e-golf, but the golf gte is a hybrid. So it would not make much sense to turn the egolf into a hybrid too. If you want a e-golf with a “range-exteneder“ you have to go for the GTE

[@IcyUpNorth]

JGamingS I'm fully aware that the E-Golf is a pure electric car and that the GTE is a plug-in-hybrid. What I was asking for was an E-REV, Electric Range Extended Vehicle with good electrical range (which the GTE doesn't have) and a backup petrol generator like the BMW i3 (meaning a tiny petrol engine that Doesn't drive the wheels for less complexity = lower cost). I live in a colder climate and the e-golf won't do in the winter and the GTE is just a regular petrol car that VW made complex and mounted a electric engine and battery to so that it JUST gets a tax cut in the useless NEDC driving cycle.

[@nizzle5176]

Inbakad Potatis ok I understand, under this conditions a range extender would totally make sense, but I think VW won't produce an egolf with a range extender. And i can agree with you, GTE and Porsche e-hybrid and cars like that are just for lower tax.

[@IcyUpNorth]

I don't think VW will produce a "range extender" either, it's more wishful thinking. But to get something one must first ask for it and the worst thing that could happen is that VW says "no", right? =)

[@nizzle5176]

Inbakad Potatis yes thats right, you can't make a mistake when you ask :D

[@golfastra482]

how about vauxhall ampera e

[@GeorgeW666]

Mat, you're whiter than the car!

[@krombobulosmicheal4795]

GeorgeW666 you are actually right

[@abast5893]

Gte is a monster love it

[@andyness5782]

Why does Mat insist on slamming the gear selecter from park to drive? No respect for other people's property.

[@mateusoliveira8373]

Boriiing

[@imkirbo3094]

You can throw the gear selector around all you want, it's not going to wear anything in anyway shape or form. It's just an electronic lever. It's like saying typing too fast on a keyboard would damage it.

[@davidrobinson3148]

Don't be stupid. It causes zero wear. Anyways who gives a shit about Volkswagen's property

[@tomsixsix]

I own a GTE you can move the gear selector from P to D without wear, and from D to R while moving which is useful. It does not clunk the gearbox at all because it will not engage the reverse gear until you come to a stop. Can be very handy for parking maneuvers.

[@propanbutan4634]

I totally agree with you. The amount of times I have seen him slamming doors on brand new car makes me angry

[@RS-nl2lp]

Mat is right! The GTE is silly. Drove it at the dealer along with a used 1,4 tsi 140 hp normal Golf on the same route, the GTE feels so heavy and altually also less grippy because it weighs 1600 kg or so. By a normal golf or a pure e-golf instead.

[@StephenButlerOne]

I'm a fan of petrol electric hybrid, it give to you the torque and range of a diesel, with being a diesel. I have no issue with diesels but, the war had started on the diesel. Ive been looking at the rav4 hybrid, for this reason.

[@kingchooet9966]

Stephen Butler fuck hybrids

[@StephenButlerOne]

/Chooêt\ if that's how you like to swing. But I don't like them that much personally. If in a barron spell maybe a cheeky dry hump, doubt it tho tbh.

[@LewisRamsden]

Golf gtd review???

[@SuperMrminecraftdude]

03:40 that consumption is purely because hes not driving very economically. I loaned one of these and made a 120km trip on 0,28L/10km. I did drive like my grandpa, but still impressive.

[@sakariaskarlsson634]

180 in a 90 zone.. never done that 😉 (but maybe 200 in a 80 zone)

[@markuslc1888]

the problem with the golf e version is, that it isn't future proof, apart from silly high price tag and 200km of range you only get quick charge up to 43kw/h like the renault zoe... bmw i3 has 50kw/h which charges 30% faster and the hyundai ionic even has up to 100kw/h so it is charged in ~20min!

[@davidviner4932]

Did you say if you drive normally you get 200km range? Oh dear

[@sgdtv1368]

4:18 Remember when that £2,500 grant was £5,000 a couple of years ago

[@chillout1109]

Yep. I won't be surprised if they are completely withdrawn in a few from now. They were awesome while they lasted.

[@HCChen86]

I have a silly question.....when you normally review car in Carwow do you wear eye lens on?😂

[@tarassu]

Spectacles - recommended :)

[@mariusantal]

I feel sick. If you're not mounting the camera to the windows, please use a gimbal Thanks for the video

[@Warandpeace569]

Best car i ever had !

[@SMX815]

I think the e-gold is the better option hands down!

[@fatfat6389]

I bet I can make that 1.4 engine in a non hybrid or 250 kg lighter car spend way under 5l/100km

[@talhaayaan344]

I wish the front should have updated more like the rear it still look old age

[@karlis-blums]

Mat is always telling how his mpg do not corresponds to claimed mpg. But when you're driving "sporty" it is supposed to be more then claimed! Driving "normally" I get claimed mpg on almost all cars I have driven. So I guess it is not correct to point out so oftenly that manufacturers claimed mpg is wrong..

[@tomsixsix]

The MPG that the Golf GTE achieves is a little dishonest, you pretty much have to start with a charged battery and then by the end of the test cycle it has just about run out and so it then starts burning petrol. The real world MPG of the GTE is around 37-40 mpg in the city and 42-50 mpg on the motorway and improves if it is charged fully. I run mine on E-mode as much as possible so effectively infinite mpg for many of my journeys.

[@Mike500]

I don't agree that gesture control is a gimmick. During driving, you want your eyes on the road at all times. Implementing trivial, but often repeated and potentially distracting things like changing a radio station as a gesture makes perfect sense. You can wave your hand about while not diverting your attention to the screen.

[@DarcersTech]

Mike Miller Voice control is also an option.

[@chele089]

Mike Miller I love it too. Just got my new 5 series and the gesture to turn up the music is so convenient!

[@DarcersTech]

The difference between the BMW and VW systems is that BMW uses a dedicated camera / sensor to capture the movement of your hand and finger position. The VW system only uses IR sensors, making it much less accurate and you have to make the gesture very close to the screen, so one might as well swipe the screen without looking at it and achieve the same thing without the hassle of trying to be very precise with the gesture to get the software to register it.

[@paddytokey]

If you have a multifunction steering wheel, why would you ever use gestures?

[@chele089]

Because gesture control is quicker. One twist of your finger is the same increment as 5 clicks on the volume button on the steering wheel. I only use the steering wheel buttons for smaller adjustments.

[@Moose185]

Can you use a GTE without the charging facility? Like use it with petrol? Or is it fully electric?

[@markkofi8522]

Yes. Once the electricity runs out you go onto petrol.

[@Moose185]

@@markkofi8522 can you run the car solely on petrol?

[@markkofi8522]

@@Moose185 Yes. Once the electricity runs out you can run on petrol only. The only thing is you won't have the GTE boost which combines the Petrol and electricity.

[@Moose185]

@@markkofi8522 problem I have is I live in a flat and don’t have anywhere to charge the car. Not sure if it’s worth it. I do love the car though.

[@markkofi8522]

@@Moose185 No road tax on this vehicle, so maybe it is worth it. You could charge at a local supermarket that has the charging points.

[@prayerpowersr854]

i like the geeky look matt

[@martinallenuk]

Its so he can see you fucking freak.

[@micahhuge1474]

My friend has an e I like them both the same

[@JurgenDX]

The GTE's steering wheel looks so much better

[@badash786]

I love my GTE its a great car to drive

[@prayerpowersr854]

the steering wheel looks like those toy controllers you had for your PS2 racing games

[@fujzokretencina7536]

It is the same as in the gti. So if that is a toy for you theb I dunno. I have the gti and is the best steering wheel i had the pleasure using

[@joaosoares3719]

VW needs to offer the 2020 ID electric car in a sporty version, and by that I mean 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds...

[@seb1things1]

You look older, wiser, more intelligent with the glasess :)))

[@Maody66TV]

In case someone is interested how sporty the GTE really is - Nordschleife Onboards here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3jQiGqBeMhnq7s | kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn2lgGmPrbGXgMU

[@BigBoyPharma]

Today Idubztv reviews cars

[@kuwaitman]

What about "self driving" & "fast charging"? It should compete with the tesla ..

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

Hybrid mode uses exactly the same amount of petrol.

[@aliabdelrazeq1659]

*floors the throttle* *moments later proceeds to say its economy is bad*

[@StephenButlerOne]

Just a thought, petrol goes stale quick, if you did use this almost always on battery power, (like matt described), I wonder what would happen the day you need the engine, but you have 6 month old petrol in the tank.

[@GrrMeister]

The storage life of petrol is one year when stored under shelter in a sealed container. Once a seal is broken the fuel has a storage life of six months at 20°C or three months at 30°C. The storage life of petrol in equipment fuel tanks is one month.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

SNORE, not you Mat, just the Golf!!!!!!

[@dvsls]

In my country you get 11.500 euro incentive for the electric one, so not a bad price for the e-golf.

[@StephenButlerOne]

Daniel SBK oo that's about double what the uk government give you. £5k, £11k would be a very nice incentive.

[@dvsls]

yeah it's quite amazing for a country like Romania to get this kind of incentive. Though it's limited on 1000 cars/year.

[@StephenButlerOne]

***** so you have to be quick when the new allocation opens. Still great if you can get it. As it will bring the price down to around the entry level golf or mid level focus etc.

[@dvsls]

Actually you dont have to be quick. Last year there were sold only 450 electric + hybrid cards. So that would be less than 300 electric cars, many of them being Tesla cars (no incentives for them because they're not official in the country).

[@soultanasmaga9661]

Nice

[@nikhilnadasan6028]

Just by the way any car no matter how efficient or not will be affected depending how you drive it. You should of drove economically first before stating that the average is not good

[@baryonyx9642]

2:20 that Swedish journalist is Gloria Borger...I'm certain of it.

[@Wikingdk]

That princing realy bugs me! In Denmark it starts at 45.600 for the hybrid. And that is after a 23.000 rebate. Hehe. But I think it is a Nice car, i would go for the hybrid thugh.

[@marcusl9437]

379 900 SEK in Sweden.

[@Wikingdk]

Still cheaper than denmark. 😁

[@Wikingdk]

Still much less than in Denmark. That is 294.326 in Danish. Or 33.577£

[@GrrMeister]

All Electric e-Golf, Absolutely Perfect if you have shed loads of Money as a Second Car (7:30)

[@StephenButlerOne]

If it's anything like the Astra GTE from the 80s it will be awesome.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Well it's got more power haha

[@thomash2806]

In France where I live the GTE is nigh-on €40,000 with no govt grant and VW dealers tell me no discount. Makes no sense whatsoever.

[@tysonvanpelt6126]

he's looking hungover lol

[@KingSadim]

Trouble with these cars is that people who only have on-street parking are screwed. I'd consider them otherwise.

[@maxcc9161]

Matt has turned into a nerd!! ;0)

[@azak8179]

It’s like a Audi!

[@olliewebbuk]

Channeling Alan Partridge in this video.