Volkswagen has unveiled a new full-hybrid powertrain for the Golf and T-Roc, with both models due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The system is designed to enable short periods of all-electric driving without the need for plug-in charging, using energy recovered through braking and a turbocharged petrol engine paired with a generator.
The new system will be offered in two output levels and is positioned between Volkswagen’s existing mild-hybrid eTSI models and plug-in eHybrid variants. It will deliver lower fuel consumption and emissions than a mild hybrid, while avoiding the higher purchase cost and charging requirements of a plug-in hybrid.
The system is based on a 1.5-litre TSI evo2 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can operate in electric-only, serial and parallel hybrid modes.
