Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the GTE brings Volkswagen’s performance Golf family to three models, sold alongside the petrol GTI and diesel GTD, and its low CO2 emissions should make it a competitive model for user-choosers when it arrives in UK showrooms at the end of the year.

The drivetrain, shared with the Audi A3 e-tron, combines a 148bhp 1.4-litre TSI twin-charged petrol engine with a 101hp electric motor located in the unique triple-clutch, hybrid-specific six-speed DSG gearbox’s housing. Fully charged, the Golf GTE has an electric range of 31 miles and can be driven at up to 81mph without using any petrol. Combined fuel economy on the NEDC for plug-in hybrids is 188.3mpg.

Styling combines elements from the e-Golf, such as the C-shaped daytime running lights, with the GTI’s pin striping through the grille – here colour-coded blue, to match the Bluemotion. The GTE inherits the GTI’s tartan check interior, with blue stitching instead of red, and features an energy gauge instead of a rev counter.

Charging takes three and a half hours from a wall socket, or two and a half from a home wallbox, through a port located behind the Volkswagen grille badge, and a unique infotainment system shows power flows, a range monitor and allows pre-setting of cabin temperatures.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but the five-door only model is likely to be positioned between the Golf GTI and Golf R including the £5,000 plug-in car grant. Benefit in Kind liability of 0% until April 2015, and 5% in the year after, should make it an attractive option for fleet customers. UK customers will be able to place orders from August.