Volkswagen Passat GTE - Plug in hybrid that actually works

[@clnred]

Bob. That was very good because no one checks how they work when not plugged in. That's the way everyone must end up doing cause it's easier. I hate the fingerprints on touch screens.

[@stephenmurphy7804]

Right on the nail, I too LOVE the Passat, it is simply the best car ever! And the best engine ever is the 1.4 TSI petrol strapped to the DSG auto gearbox. In an ideal world all SUV’s would be banned! The on,y way to travel is in a SALOON, end of 🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘

[@dragospahontu]

What is your long term fuel consumption?

[@hkjhhkhkjk]

Passat is best limousine ever made!! ANd this hybrid is fantastic

[@ewadge]

The PHEV still has a role in 2020. BMW are going all in with PHEVs with a bunch of electrified models. But, I doubt that they’ll stick around much longer. I bought a BMW i3 with a Range Extender and really it is very rare that I ever use it but when I service the car, almost all the expense goes to maintenance of the ICE. I wish I bought the version without the range extender.

[@nextecocar]

Nice review Bob, 'tis a very good car if you decide PHEV is the way for you at the moment. I'm driving an Audi A3 e-tron PHEV at the moment which is basically the same car in a different body, it is lovely to drive and so much more responsive than those Toyota & Lexus 'self-charging' hybrids with their cumbersome CVT transmissions.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I agree the whole "self-charging" thing is great for marketing but not good for the consumer. I prefer people to make educated choices and the A3 e-Tron is a great drive!

[@yggdrasil9039]

Good review and looks like a good car. Yet they won't bring this car to Australia, apparently because they are going all in with the ID3, so they are going to 'skip' PHEVs. And yet the ID3 is having software problems... so we get neither. PHEVs are perfect for Australia - the average commute is around 40km, but people also need to drive 900km sometimes. PHEV fits both these categories perfectly, and yet we get nothing.

[@byrnedes]

Interesting car. Good review Bob. Am I the only one who’s brain says PHEW whoever I see PHEV?

[@henrylawson430]

I have a 2017 132 TSI Comfortline Passat in Australia with the petrol 1.8 turbo engine. It is a fantastic car, very underrated. They don’t sell the GTE version here unfortunately.

[@Andersljungberg]

A diesel with the same amount of horsepower consumes less fuel than the gasoline car you have

[@dragospahontu]

What is your long term fuel consumption?

[@dragospahontu]

​@@Andersljungberg not really

[@JohnInSale]

Would be even better if you buy the estate GTE version , then it’s the only car you’d need ?

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I'm having the GTE estate in a couple of weeks, I'm really looking forward to it

[@kiteless1]

Really liked our Golf GTE - I know so many of these are just a tax dodge but if you plug in it’s a short range EV, enough for what we needed most days, will preheat and costs next to nothing to run. Go further and it’s an efficient petrol with no need to stop and charge. That said, it convinced us early on that we really wanted a proper EV. Now have an eGolf instead.

[@paulthorpe766]

Would have swapped my GTE for an e golf too - just the sea of dark grey plastics/cloth and unsupportive seats a la mid-spec golf, put me off ditching the GTE.

[@Andersljungberg]

GTE has An advantage is that it can switch automatically between battery operation and the petrol engine. if you can easily visit people who live far from your city. and just like in an electric car, it transfers energy to the battery when you release the accelerator pedal or press the brake. which you probably do often in the city, ie in the city the battery can last a long time. maybe a whole week without you having to charge it

[@Andersljungberg]

Failure to charge batteries causes the battery to lose capacity quickly. a battery should be charged frequently. if you try to sell a used car with a battery that may have less than 50% of the capacity left then you will get poorly paid for the car

[@Andersljungberg]

I do not live in the UK but I am sure that petrol costs significantly more than electricity. for the same distance

[@Andersljungberg]

A hybrid car should consume at least 3 deciliters less per 10 km. it will probably be quite a few pounds in a year

[@MegaMinihulk]

great lighting bob ahaha

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Did ya see into the boot? 😂

[@dillondurban4899]

At 2:35 the fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100km seems a lot better than the real world consumption of a petrol only car with similar performance. 😎

[@dragospahontu]

My long term fuel consumption for 1.4tsi dsg7 is 6l/100km

[@moaadrakan4319]

How about the maintenance , what’s the average age for the batteries ,and what about the engine maintenance , reliability etc ?

[@mazafarali522]

I drive 150 miles a day.. city driving.. is it better to get this 1.4 gte or 2.0tdi? For better fuel economy

[@thevas6190]

"Thats kind of a struggle in my brain"..That sounds cool for car enthusiast :)

[@paddydowney6269]

I see the range on electric only is over 50km wltp - is that roughly what you got Bob? Would suit me toddling around Dublin doing school runs, and then going to Kilkenny on the weekends no bother too

[@Andersljungberg]

Gets longer in hybrid mode. The advantage of the electric hybrid car is primarily in the city. if the hybrid car is based on gasoline. But if it is based on diesel then it can be really economical after the motorway also eg Volvo v60 D6 hybrid. Mercedes also has a diesel hybrid. in fact, a petrol-powered hybrid can in some cases consume more fuel than a diesel car on the motorway. but then we are probably talking about a diesel on, for example, a 1.4 liter engine. a really good diesel can draw six deciliters per 10 km for example a Volvo with a D4 engine

[@Andersljungberg]

You transfer energy to the battery every time you release the gas. or press the brake

[@eroche913]

The charging port flap....COWBOYS TED!!

[@ram64man]

No bob that’s using extra capacity of the engine to charge e.g is raises the rpm, it’s designed to go from one zero emission zone to the next and is mainly designed as a motorway speed quick top up not a replacement-to mains power stick with plugging in the wall either at work or home to get the 2.5 litres per 100km real world

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

I wish it was available in America!

[@mamba101]

11k more for the GTE than a R line passat, could you save 11K in fuel over your ownership? Maybe over a few years of city driving with very few longer ICE trips?

[@keanosqueak]

The price was brought down to match the RLine Diesel at 42k give or take. Actually Just checked the website it's 2k cheaper than equivalent 190hp DSG RLine.

[@johannesrowert394]

Hi Bob. Will you have a gander at the kia ceed sw Plug in? Think it’s a better fit for city folk.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I'll ask about it, I think I have the x-ceed very soon but I think that's a mild-hybrid

[@johannesrowert394]

Bob Flavin great thanks. There is a plug in XCeed. Basically the same. Didn’t see a mild one. If it is a plug in could you possibly check if the car can stay electric with the heater on or if like Niro and Ioniq the engine needs to heat the cabin? Looking forward to the review. Keep up the good stuff. Like your reviews a lot.

[@MrConor159]

There is a reason I like the i3 rex as a plug in hybrid it punishes you for not plunging it in, on petrol your not going anywhere that fast or far without stoping. I think phevs should make a bit of a fuss if they arent pluged in often enfough

[@adamlytle2615]

Ooh, the wagon comes in plug-in hybrid as well. To bad it's only available in europe. Also too bad that I wouldn't be able to afford on even if it were in North America.

[@AlexBell1991]

I think I may have just found my next car.

[@hakksim]

How do you feel about the trunk space being decreased by 167 liters (from 650 to 483 liters) due to the battery placement under the trunk? I'm asking because I'm looking for the new eHybrid Tiguan which might have the same "issue". I'm swapping from Sportsvan and trunk space is the main criterion.

[@csgo2329]

Pretty simple. If you are looking for a car with big trunk space, don’t get a car with small trunk space ?

[@dragospahontu]

The saloon has even less space

[@brec5879]

I know this is an old video. But hv a 10 yr old Passat 1.6 Diesel with high mileage at the minute and love it’s drive and it’s solid and never given me any trouble. But as I must think of changing soon enough. The idea of this GTE model sounds great. I couldn’t afford a new electric so I’ve seen some secondhand GTEs online. One 2018 with 59k miles. Is 26k euro. Second hand cars gone very expensive. My worry is the battery 9.9 kw how long more will it last and cost to replace. I think guarantee is 8 yrs so 3.5 yrs left. Or 100k km. so not much left on guarantee 🙈 are these cars more expensive to service or maintain u think 🤔

[@stuart3744]

Does it require special home recharge system or a basic 230v 3 pin domestic plug.

[@dragospahontu]

Basic 230v. Takes 5h

[@guramirtsingh2546]

Am thinking to get one but how long will it last

[@anttikuusela9581]

Where is the Clock on the digital 10,25" instrument cluster? Cant find on my 2020 gte Passat

[@liamolivermaher]

Bob, when is the PHEV Mondeo coming to Ireland, or is it here already? Will you be doing a review of it? I am a Mondeo man, but now that they are gonna stop making it i will be buying a superb in the future.

[@bdeithrick]

Dsl Passat or gte as Taxi ? Or superb ?

[@matthewlandy8099]

Hello Bob Is it available in estate version?

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Yes I have one in a couple of weeks, it’s a bit pricey but it’s the ultimate load lugger

[@markbrowne8447]

@@BobFlavinVideo That will be the Superb Combi Bob!!

[@DermotCarroll]

You're having a laugh! How great are your videos! I love your delivery, your sense of humour! The fact that you are Irish, and clearly live in this little cabbage patch! Keep up the great efforts! ... and thank you for many, many hours of entertainment!

[@Quin.CR7]

Nice video, thanks!

[@davidvestey6014]

Some numbers (range, mpg) would be good please

[@jont8406]

As a company car driver covering 30k miles per year this type of vehicle appeals. I pay ridiculous amounts of "rip off" company car tax so if i can save some money by choosing a phev i will do so, if it dosent get charged up so be it.

[@scottferris7235]

Is this car even available yet..... I have a ranger 3.2 and want to down size!!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Yes it's available now, it's also in estate

[@alexmn00183]

@@BobFlavinVideo Estate, Bob's favourite. 😍

[@roryniland]

Who does a review of a phev and doesn’t mention the range in pure electric ..

[@bdeithrick]

Rory Niland 30kms

[@siraff4461]

Someone who is concerned with how good it is at being a car rather than being obsessed with whats powering it. Certain ev's have been complete garbage but lauded by certain journos for having a big battery. This is a big, comfy car which can do some miles ev which is great and would be even better if people buying them for tax incentives actually bothered plugging them in. Anyway according to the new tests it can do between 30 and 36 miles ev.

[@yggdrasil9039]

56km I believe. The battery is now 13kWh according to VW.

[@petersmith6794]

I’ve got a 2019 Passat GTE estate, and it does around 26 miles fully charged ..

[@roryniland]

@@petersmith6794that info would be really usefull if you had a delorean also and skipped back to 4 years ago, when everyone was wondering

[@conorkilroy8913]

So whats the range on fully electric when its fully charged?

[@Bembermastic]

You can get 40KM with realistic city driving. - The claim is 52KM I belive.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Anything up to 40kms but it depends on who is driving

[@Andersljungberg]

Could it be that people think that the battery in the car ages as fast as the battery in the mobile phone or in the computer? And therefore do not charge the battery it is because they are afraid that the battery will be completely depleted when they are going to sell the car

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

Hi Bob, I hope you can help me I've tried asking numerous people but nobody will answer me, maybe you said it in the video and I missed it but with a plug in hybrid, do you lose power if you don't charge the battery or is there always some in reserve to give you the E boost? Thanks Bob

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Hi Daniel, yes there is always a little left in reserve for the boost function. No battery ever goes to complete zero as the car is always trying to charge it. You'll get a more constant boost when the battery is topped up but the HP is measured with the boost which is always there.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

@@BobFlavinVideo That's fantastic Bob, thanks so much for replying I've been trying to figure this out for ages but no response from anybody and it's not available on Google. So you always have 218 Bhp then? And that goes for any PHEV I assume? Thanks again, can always depend on you.

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

@@BobFlavinVideo Will share on FB

[@bruts82]

Daniel 1 I’ve had one of these if the battery says zero u will not get the boost

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

@@bruts82 Ok thanks but if you use the engine to charge the battery it will then give boost?

[@ollyalb3470]

I like your honesty when it comes to feedback about cars you drive, its a lot less political than most however I am slightly disappointed with your review of the GTE. I was hoping to see real driving consumption figures both on battery alone as well as combined. VW boasts about this car being able to deliver above 240 MPG. Is that even possible in the real world driving or how close can you get to anything like the figure they quote, I was hoping your style of reviews could shed clarity on that..Oh well, perhaps next time Bob.For now I will just like the video, next one I will subscribe. Good stuff.

[@remnbig31]

Sooo did u recharge it? Whats the range of full electric?

[@brec5879]

36 miles 50km

[@ericrochford3134]

I’d take a three box saloon any day over an SUV! Passat is great but at this price not sure there’s enough payback.

[@vladsaghin7644]

2:29 Those kinds of people are the worst. They only buy a PHEV because it makes more sense in their country (because of emission taxes and all that) while not having the brain to at least do the math and see how much money they would save by plugin in, as well as having cleaner air to breathe...

[@nigelrowe2204]

Not if you have a rural commute then city drive. Hybrid is best. 'Math' as you say depends entirely on use - heck even diesel only is till better for some users.

[@paulbrowne5049]

PHEV's are being banned in as little as 12 years in the UK. As bob admits, most users of PHEV's don't plug in.

[@wakeupandsmellthecoffeetod9582]

That will never happen...if all cars are electric...the electrical powerplants will go bezerk and fail...and people would mob and fight trying to charge their cars. What happens in car parks? Every single car park space needs to have an electrical socket? I mean every single one? Then how do you decide who's going to use it if all cars need it at the same time?

[@beefiron]

@Tony Edgecombe Exactly. If you stop selling ICE cars in 12 years, that means we'll still have them on the road in 30 at a pinch. The grid in the UK is already capable of charging every car if everyone switched today. I doubt we're quite at that level in Ireland, but it's not like the ESB and their equivalents elsewhere haven't seen this coming. As for the car parks, in 12 years time, I would imagine newer cars will need to be charged maybe once a week for most people, and get that charge in 30 minutes or less. Even if you aren't able to charge at home, I don't see that being to onerous.

[@nigelrowe2204]

@@beefiron Estimates are that we need to install 4000 every week NOW to meet growing demand. See any new ones around you? We Have just 2 in our town of 12000-15000 people in a supermarket...

[@beefiron]

@@nigelrowe2204 I referred to the grid as opposed to the charging network. I think it's different for everyone. The historic in Ireland is far worse than in the UK but it's good enough for me based on how we use our car. The better the network gets, the more people will find it's "good enough" for them.

[@silkstar20]

Banned maybe true to sell new cars, but there will be plenty of ICE cars on the road and will be for the foreseeable future.

[@beefiron]

If you're going to compare this to an electric car, maybe the Model 3 is the better comparison. I would also question the resale value. Considering the move to electric we're seeing and how it's accelerating, petrol, diesel and hybrid cars may not be worth what you think in 5 years time.

[@nigelrowe2204]

Don't forget battery only cars are often subsidised and Tesla offering 'free' charging. I think alot of costs are deliberatly hidden. How much does home charging cost for example?

[@beefiron]

@@nigelrowe2204 It depends on your supplier, but if you're on a night rate and you set a timer in the car to only charge during your off-peak hours (a standard feature), the cost per mile is about 15% that of diesel.

[@beefiron]

@@nigelrowe2204 I should say, don't take my word for it. There are resources it there to find out this kind of information rather than relying on a doofus in a KZbin comment section. Also note that some cars are more efficient with their battery power than others due to the size and weight of the car, and your driving style will also have an impact. Of course, that's also true of ICE cars.

[@nigelrowe2204]

@@beefiron You cannot compare this to a Model 3 as that is pure electric and so the reverse is true. this can only be compared to other hybrids. as I've pointed out elsewhere overnight cables in a public street are a nonsense. A home garage is great but not every household has one. may I ask whereabouts you live - are there plenty of driveways and garages?

[@beefiron]

@@nigelrowe2204 In the video, Bob compared this car to a Model S. I was just saying that the 3 is closer in size and price. I live in a rural area, so yeah, lots of driveways, although that was also true when I lived in suburbia.

[@colmranger]

I'd love this but the price is far too high especially considering I can import an almost new one from the UK for far less

[@bekabeka71]

Ireland is shit with taxes and car prices. Ridiculously expensive country hence why everyone drives fiat punto and ford fiestas

[@gavisgone8212]

What's the price in Ireland compared to importing from UK??

[@bekabeka71]

@@gavisgone8212 man it's really cheap to import but keep in mind again that customs clearance to change the reg plates is like more than 4 grand

[@colmranger]

@@gavisgone8212 I just checked I see a 2020 GTE in UK for sale for €27k before import codts and a new one here starts at €50k

[@gavisgone8212]

@@colmranger thanks for that Colm. Even with the import costs that's some savings, definitely worth checking out if buying one! 😊🔌🚘

[@Andersljungberg]

A hybrid car should consume at least 3 deciliters less per 10 km. there will probably be quite a few British pounds in a year

[@clashwithmoi8926]

Minus 32 kw/h?

[@dragospahontu]

Good recuperation

[@booshallmighty]

Why can't they invent a perpetual car? The car should charge battery as its moving so you would never need to charge it and it would run forever.

[@stephendoherty8291]

Phev is currently useless. EV range is so low as to require a recharge twice a day. Next time you see a mitsu outlander phev. Few any home chargers so its a tax swindle ie avail of all the gov incentives but still run a fossil fuel car. Yes if range was alot further and in availing of the incentives, you had to show you were recharging then fine. In the UK and China they are stopping phev incentives and focusing on BEV only

[@nigelrowe2204]

Yes the Outlander is a particularly heavy car too. But PHEV / self-charging whatever you want to call them are suitable for some drivers. I ran a DS5 Hybrid for nearly five years - I still miss it - it's electric only was only 5-6 miles. The point was though that I was not polluting whilst in towns and it would switch to the ICE when required automatically. Ultimately though a pure diesel was more economic and the model ended (I was told only 3% sales were Hybrid DS5s). Also don't forget that we don't all have driveways for power supply or have them at work.

[@stephendoherty8291]

@@nigelrowe2204 I agree and cities would be alot healthier if cars had to work on EV mode in cities but 5 to 6 miles is too short even in cities. Pure hybrids are but a better engine and can't work without burning diesel or petrol. They might be less polluting but its a bit like saying driving at 100mph is safer than 110. In theory every car should at a minimum be hybrid now instead of polluting at idle or barely moving traffic.

[@siraff4461]

The Outlander does 28miles ev on the new wltp. Its easy to get 25 so if you drive less than that each day or less than that between home and work (if you have a charger there) then its as good an ev as any other. Of course as usual for small minded people you miss the point that its using its entire battery capacity most of the time. So lets say you have 10 Outlanders all doing their commutes on battery and only using fuel on long runs (some of which will also be subsidised by battery) or you can have 8 fossil cars and two 66kWh bevs which will use hardly any of their battery daily then still be a pain when on a long run and overall use a lot more fuel for the same battery output. Now remember there is a worldwide battery shortage and it should start to dawn on you just how ridiculous shouting phevs down really is.

[@nigelrowe2204]

@@siraff4461 Don't start insulting people. We are entitled to our opinion as you are.

[@siraff4461]

@@nigelrowe2204 That isn't insulting. Its pointing out facts. If you find that insulting you're going to have a hard time in public.

[@sun_of_a_gun]

There is definitely a huge gap between me and the author in terms of understanding the esthetics. One thing you cannot say about the Passat is that it is beautiful ;)

[@mehdib1211]

I don’t want to ruin your 666 likes but I liked it though

[@Andersljungberg]

ID4

[@ezys3215]

It's one of those MQB cars, so it's good only on those smooth roads. Not perfect in real life.

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Mitsubishi claim 22 miles from their outlander Phev but it actually only does 14 miles biggest waste of money going. Honestly don't see the point in these cars might aswell go full electric the way it's going anyway.

[@Andersljungberg]

Do you only buy electric hybrids to get lower taxes? . And then I have to say you are not so smart When you drive on petrol when you could drive for battery operation of at least 50%. You could save a lot of money on that. And what is the problem with charging the car you have an electrical outlet in the garage or. otherwise you can charge the car outside the hamburger restaurant while eating. and charging the car at a charging station is significantly cheaper than refueling in the car. and the electric motor has faster response

[@dragospahontu]

It's a cool car, but I would save the money for the ice version.

[@bdeithrick]

The old 10.30 video trick. Ultimate monetary.

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You would rather 9.50 and I give the money to someone else?

[@bdeithrick]

Lol not at all. I just copped it. Remember learning of it last year Well done. I like the insta extensions

[@michaeldelaneydelaney6889]

this is michaeldelaney I am KZbin I love TiK ToK right I like your work so I can be sacked right to work like that is the best car to go for right alright to go for myself is the new model beside the red one what litre is your car is a 1.6 or is 2-litre this is michaeldelaney addme back KZbin I love cars on the Isle of water can be sat in Passat😀👍👍

[@112deeps]

Give us MPG also for imperial countries!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

Can't you convert it? The US Imperial and UK so that would be three versions of fuel economy

[@112deeps]

@@BobFlavinVideo, yep... Down with lurgy.. Coughing fits and blocked nose... More lazy then usual. My A3 etron almost always ev mode 78% of time. Will be similar to 50+mpg in non ev. 👍

[@seybertooth9282]

"Imperial countries"? You mean the USA, Myanmar and Liberia? Really, mate, if you're among the 4% of humanity who refuse to join the 21st century, you should really learn to convert in your head.

[@PaulSouthport]

So, when it's "self charging", where does the energy come from? Oh, yes, from the petrol. Massive scam.

[@siraff4461]

Like he said in the vid - its charging itself. It is the very definition of self charging. Its not a scam - its English.

[@putevasiliauskas7035]

It is a hybrid:)) ffs how it is a scam?

[@beefiron]

Come on, Bob, "self-charging" is a complete lie. If you're converting kinetic energy into electricity to put into the battery, then it's the petrol that gave you that kinetic energy that is charging the battery. This 'self-charging" crap is the biggest spoof in advertising and you should be better than to propagate it.

[@nigelrowe2204]

The electricty has to come from somewhere. Either the car or power station.

[@beefiron]

@@nigelrowe2204 If it's coming from the car, 100% of it comes from burning petrol. Depending on your electricity supplier, up to 100% of the power for a full EV could be coming from renewables. This self-charging nonsense just gets my goat.

[@siraff4461]

@@beefiron What gets my goat is people who can't understand English. Bob even showed youy it charging itself in the film. He never said that charge came from pixie dust - just that it was charging itself at the same time as driving. That is the dictionary definition of the words so if it gets your goat its your own lack of knowledge/intelligence which is causing that.

[@beefiron]

@@siraff4461 All right lad, no need to get abusive. The car doesn't charge itself, so it's not self-charging. It's like saying your windows are self cleaning, you just add soap and water. The phrase is marketing speak and is misleading people. Toyota, for example, use it to beat down on plug in cars. Their implication is that plugging in is hugely inconvenient, and that their cars are better and cleaner because they charge themselves. I'm calling bullshit on both counts.

[@siraff4461]

@@beefiron You can call what you like but it won't change the facts. Those are that it charges its battery itself. Yes it uses fuel to do that but that doesn't change the fact it does it. Again this is basic junior school English so if you're struggling that much to comprehend I suggest that should be where you head.

[@EvilJonas]

Couldn't understand half of what you are saying. You need some diction lessons. You might think knowing a lot about cars is important as a reviewer, but it is being able to speak properly.

[@wezzzaaaaaaaaaaa]

A review of the passat ? Almost the whole review i AM looking To your face.....worst review ever

[@bobbyboy8764]

Whats the life span of the hybrid battery?