2016 Auto Expo: Volkswagen showcases Passat GTE hybrid

Published February 4, 2016
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Hybrid version of the Passat portrays German car maker's technological prowess

Volkswagen today showcased the Passat GTE sedan at the 2016 Auto Expo, which is the hybrid version of its Passat. The Passat GTE is a display of Volkswagen's plug-in hybrid technology that was first seen on the XL1. By showcasing the Passat GTE at the Auto Expo, Volkswagen has also effectively showcased the new generation Passat that it will be launching in India later this year. The Passat GTE gets the German car maker's 1.4 TSI petrol engine which it does not offer in any of its road cars in India but has employed in its Vento Cup race car.

The turbocharged petrol engine makes 156PS of power in this guise, and is coupled to an electric motor that produces about 62PS of power on its own. Powering the electric motor is a 9.9kWh lithium-ion battery that sits under the rear seat. The battery gets charged through regenerative braking or by the petrol engine or plug-in charging. The combined output of the engine and motor together is an impressive 218PS and the two power sources together offer a massive 1000km range for the Passat GTE.

The car can in fact be driven for up to 50km on the electric motor alone with top speed limited to 130kmph in electric mode. The Passat GTE gets four driving modes - E-mode, Hybrid, Battery Charge and GTE. A 6.5-inch screen provides information about the engine and motor like range, charge etc. Blue accents on the grille, a different front bumper and GTE decals distinguish the GTE from the regular Passat that will be launched in India. The GTE will not be launched in India, but the regular Passat is expected to be priced at Rs 28 lakh when launched later this year.