MILEAGE UP
more than adequate users’ commute.
Charging is quick even from a domestic socket with around five hours to full, and three and a half hours using a wallbox.
The internal combustion engine (ICE is the term used these days) is VW’s 1.4-litre TSI petrol.
Combined with the electric motor, the car produces 150bhp and 110bhp respectively for a useable total system power of 218bhp. That means performance of 0-62mph in 7.6sec, which is plenty brisk enough and a figure you’re not going to be aiming for if you’re trying to maximise your electric range. Neither will most for most owners be spending much time in the GTE mode which sharpens up the throttle response and feeds a bit of engine noise into the cabin. Pointless.
The Passat GTE starts in E-mode and will stay in that for as long as you have enough juice in the battery and don’t flatten the throttle pedal into the carpet.
There’s also a Hybrid mode which automatically blends petrol and electric power in the most efficient mix for the moment.
If you really want to lose all your
Volvo has gone for high performance for its plug-in which is why it’s this money.
It’s a hybrid but not a plug-in so not as impressive on emissions or mpg.
Also a plug-in hybrid but more spacious and better value. Our choice. electric range in moments, you can also drive at up to 89mph in EV mode.
The Passat estate itself is comfortable and spacious with a generous boot.
Our test car had several options including Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control which allows you to swap between four suspension settings including Comfort, Sport and Individual.
It’s not such an exorbitant extra at £895, but the standard suspension gives the car a compliant ride so there’s not a compelling reason to go for this option. Price-wise, at £40,860, the Passat GTE estate is not cheap.
However, the benefit-in-kind savings if you’re a business user will more than make up for that price – although I’d look at the better value Skoda Superb iV.
For the rest of us the argument for the GTE – and any PHEV – is heavily influenced by how we’ll be using them.
If you are going to have difficulties charging the battery at home or nearby, then a plug-in hybrid is totally pointless.
For now, you’d still be better off saving money and buying a petrol or diesel version.
The refreshed Volkswagen e-Up is now available. This electric version of the company’s smallest car was launched in 2013 and had a range of only 83 miles – but now that’s been nearly doubled to 159 making it considerably more practical.
The increase is the most important element of the refresh, but the e-Up also gets the new driver assistance systems and connectivity that’s been fitted to the conventionally powered Up models.
The e-Up costs from £19,695 including the Government’s PICG grant.
Skoda has added Monte Carlo trim levels to its Kamiq and Scala models.
The Kamiq Monte Carlo gets sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, gloss black exterior trim and 18in black alloy wheels. A sports front bumper and black boot lettering finish it off. Prices from £23,305.
The Scala Monte Carlo, pictured, costs from £22,680 and has most of the design features of the Kamiq. Both are available to order now.
Performance is brisk and charging is quick even using a normal plug
Here’s an unusual one. It’s a Vauxhall Combo Cargo light van that’s four-wheel drive.
Vauxhall went to a firm called Dangel for help with the 4x4 conversion. This might go some way to explain why the Combo Cargo 4x4 is so expensive – the cheapest version is £34,660 plus VAT.
This is a vehicle that’s going to appeal only to a company or individual that needs to go seriously off road and make use of the extra 20mm of ground clearance and ability to climb a 41 degree gradient!