VW

Volkswagen Golf Hybrid & T-Roc Hybrid

Volkswagen has developed a new full hybrid drive that combines temporary electric driving with high efficiency and a long range. The new drive system is planned to be used in the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid from the fourth quarter of this year.

The new hybrid models are not dependent on charging cables and charging infrastructure: the energy for the electric drive phases is recovered in these models through recuperation and by using the turbocharged gasoline engine in combination with a generator.

The new full hybrid system will be offered in two power levels (136 hp and 170 hp) in the future and offers reduced fuel consumption compared to a mild hybrid drive. Volkswagen will present details of the new drive system in Vienna, as part of the International Automobile Symposium (April 22-24, 2026).

The full hybrid drive offers numerous advantages: compared to the simpler mild hybrid, it allows a higher proportion of electric driving and therefore lower emissions and consumption values, as well as reduced fuel costs. Compared to a plug-in hybrid drive, the purchase costs of a full hybrid are lower and it does not require a charging infrastructure. Taking the Golf as an example, the new hybrid system can be identified under the designation “Hybrid” and fills the gap between the mild hybrid, which is already available as “eTSI”, and the plug-in hybrid. They can be ordered in the Golf under the designation “eHybrid” or as a sporty GTE. Volkswagen is thus using an even wider range of electrified drive systems, which allows it to offer the right drive solution for every usage scenario and every customer, in addition to the fully electric ID. models.

The new hybrid drive drives the front axle. Its core components are the hybrid module, the turbocharged gasoline engine (TSI) and the lithium-ion battery.

The high-voltage battery, matched to the hybrid drive with NMC cells and a capacity of 1.6 kWh (gross) typical for HEV vehicles, is integrated into the vehicle floor at the rear of both the Golf and the T-Roc.

Volkswagen has designed the interaction between the turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2), two electric motors and a high-voltage battery to achieve a good balance of efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The electric motor responsible for the drive power replaces or supports the turbocharged petrol engine in all those phases in which it offers additional efficiency. For example, the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid therefore often run on electric power alone, which makes them very quiet when moving off, at low speeds and in city traffic.

The driver will be able to choose between three driving profiles in the new Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid models: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In the Eco driving profile, the maximum power of the system is limited to 70 percent and the boost function is deactivated in order to reduce energy consumption. The Comfort profile does not limit the system's power and allows boost. In the Sport driving profile, sporty characteristics are achieved by switching the drive to standard mode earlier, so that full power is quickly available.

Full hybrid system...The new full hybrid system was developed to operate without dependence on external recharging. The electrical energy used by the system is generated on board through energy regeneration (recovery) and by the combustion engine associated with a generator.

According to the manufacturer, this configuration allows for lower fuel consumption compared to mild hybrid systems. Compared to plug-in hybrids, the system has a lower acquisition cost and eliminates the need for recharging infrastructure.

The system operates on the front axle and consists of a hybrid module, a 1.5 TSI evo2 turbocharged combustion engine, and a lithium-ion battery. The hybrid module integrates two electric motors — one responsible for traction and the other for energy generation — as well as power electronics, differential, single-speed transmission, and an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.

Also part of the system are an electric air conditioning compressor and an electric brake servo. The high-voltage battery uses NMC-type cells and has a gross capacity of 1.6 kWh, being installed in the rear of the vehicle floor.

The system's operation combines the combustion engine, electric motors, and high-voltage battery in an automated way, focusing on energy efficiency and adaptation to usage conditions.

In electric mode, the vehicle moves using only the electric motor at low speeds, with the combustion engine switched off. In serial mode, the electric motor propels the vehicle while the combustion engine operates decoupled, generating energy through the generator to power the electrical system.

In parallel mode, the combustion engine takes over the main propulsion from approximately 60 km/h, with the electric motor acting as support in situations such as acceleration.

Volkswagen recently unified the hybrid technology for the Golf and T-Roc, introducing a new full hybrid system (HEV). Although they share engines and technologies, the choice between them depends on your preference for a dynamic hatchback or a practical, elevated SUV.

Both models now feature the 1.5 TSI evo2 engine combined with two electric motors, allowing for temporary driving in 100% electric mode without the need for external charging (self-recharging).

Space and practicality...The T-Roc has an advantage in versatility and height, while the Golf focuses on aerodynamic efficiency and interior refinement.

Trunk: The T-Roc Hybrid offers approximately 475 liters (30 liters more than the previous model), surpassing the 380 liters of the standard Golf. In the Golf GTE (Plug-in), this volume drops to 273 liters due to the batteries.

Driving position: The T-Roc offers a higher view and facilitates access to the rear seats and the installation of child seats.

Dimensions: The new generation T-Roc has grown by 12 cm, offering more legroom compared to the Golf, especially for tall passengers.

Main differences in choice:

-Golf Hybrid: Ideal for those seeking a lower car with better handling and external charging options (PHEV) offering up to 132 km of electric range. It is the benchmark for interior finish quality in the segment.

-T-Roc Hybrid: Perfect for those who prioritize the SUV look, greater ground clearance to tackle urban obstacles (speed bumps and potholes), and a more generous trunk for family trips.

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