• the eighth generation of the volkswagen golf hatchback is making its debut in europe, now featuring a duo of plug-in-hybrid variants.
• one is the golf gte, which is a performance variant making 242 horsepower.
• the only mark 8 models currently confirmed for the u.s. are the gti and golf r, so it's unlikely that the gte will make its way onto american roads.

the new mark 8 volkswagen golf has finally arrived, and with it come two new plug-in-hybrid models, each with a 13.0-kwh battery pack. one will produce 201 horsepower and the other 242 horsepower, with the latter badged as the golf gte.

vw says that no fewer than five hybrid-drive versions are available for the eighth-gen golf. two of these are the aforementioned plug-in hybrids. both use a 1.4-liter gasoline engine and the 13.0-kwh lithium-ion battery pack, with the more powerful version badged as the gte. vw says that each can travel approximately 37 miles on battery power alone.

in europe, a six-speed manual gearbox will be standard on the new golf, although some engines will have the option of a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that brings 48-volt hybrid assistance through a belt-connected starter-generator.

the mark 8 golf is built on the volkswagen group's mqb platform, and the gte has a few distinguishing features. up front, there's a large honeycomb grille and black lower bumper trim. the gte also sports wider side sill panels, 17-inch alloy wheels, and red brake calipers. out back, the gte is fitted with a diffuser-style rear bumper along with a gte-specific roof spoiler.

standard interior equipment for the plug-in-hybrid golf includes sport seats with integrated headrests, a pulsating starter button for the e-hybrid drive mode, a touch multifunction sport steering wheel, a gte shift knob, stainless-steel pedals, and special interior fabrics unique to the gte. also unique to the gte is a background exterior light integrated within the radiator grille.

the only models currently confirmed for the u.s. are the gti and golf r, so don't expect to see the gte on american roads anytime soon. basic versions of the golf will go on sale in europe at the end of this year, with the gti and golf r set to follow next year.