Volkswagen have announced the pricing for the UK bound Golf GTE plug-in hybrid which the company claims is both frugal and GTi inspired. Lets get the difficult news out of the way first, we confirm it costs £28k, the good news is the 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor combine to deliver 204 PS and 350Nm of torque. As with all plug-in electric cars the actual range isn’t an exact science and it depends on a number of factors such how aggressive you drive, the terrain and how much auxiliary power you use during a typical journey. VW claim 580 miles is possible and 31 miles is possible on pure electric power. The electric motor is integrated into the six-speed DSG gearbox, An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning. Five operating modes allow for both optimised and swift driving when needed: ‘E-mode’, ‘GTE mode’, ‘Battery Hold’, ‘Battery charge’ and ‘Hybrid Auto. The GTE has a top speed of 81 mph in pure electric mode. VW claims the GTE returns a combined fuel cycle of 166 mpg, in a test environment yes in the real world it will be around half that. Emissions are as low as 39 g/km so its tax and congestion charge exempt. The Golf GTE’s 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in 3.75 hours from a domestic mains outlet, or 2.25 hours from a domestic wallbox. Volkswagen have tried to cleanse the GTE by borrowing “elements” of the GTi’s bodywork such as the C-shaped LED daytime running lights (e-Golf) and aerodynamic horizontal ‘fins’ (GTI).  Where the GTI features red, the GTE has blue accents,  18-inch ‘Serron’ alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Inside the GTI’s red highlight details are turned to blue – including the stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. Touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth is standard, while optional navigation includes bespoke EV features such as the ability to identify potential destinations on electric range, and charging points. If you are interested in buying a Golf GTE and saving the planet then head on over to your nearest VW dealership. The order books are open now with first deliveries expected in March. This website is not a dealership portal god damn it.