Golf GTE Shocker! - 6.3sec 0 - 100 instead of 7.6sec

[Mark V GTD]

Yes good post (again) MH!  I am interested in the GTE as my longest normal weekly journey is 28 miles so I would getting 165mpg equivalent on more than 50% of my car useage - the rest probably around 40mpg. But as I do 9,000 miles a year, that means around 5,000 miles driven on electric at 165mpg.

My GTD is averaging 46mpg long term - so I'm using 888 litres a year - costing 1,003 quid a year.

The GTE will use 454 litres of unleaded at 486 quid plus a further 138 litres equivalent in electricity costs, giving a total of 592 (total cost 633 quid) which represents an annual saving of 377 quid - plus the free tax.... so in reality 400 quid annual operating costs saved (hopefully insurance is no more costly).

For comparison - a GTI at 35mpg* and doing the same 9,000 would use 1,167 litres of unleaded costing 1,249 quid.

An R at say 28mpg* would use 1,450 litres at 1,561 quid.

So in summary, 9,000 mile a year, my projected annual fuel cost figures in UK Pounds:

R - 1,561.00
GTI - 1,249.00
GTD - 1,003.00
GTE - 633.00

* best mpg guess as I don't own one.

[fredgroves]

Try sticking 20p per litre back onto the pump prices and assume a 20% increase in electricity costs... just to give you a view of where things are likely to be in 2 years time...

[carl1]

Be interested to see what the servicing costs are on these. I wouldn't be surprised to see it cancel out a lot of the fuel savings.

[Mark V GTD]

Try sticking 20p per litre back onto the pump prices and assume a 20% increase in electricity costs... just to give you a view of where things are likely to be in 2 years time...

Fred - well yes I could - but this is really just for the purposes of comparison between the different models based on my mileage and pattern of driving - the 20% would be across the board so effectively does not change the comparison. having said that - I have removed my three year figures as I acknowledge they are pretty pointless!

Carl - I strongly suspect the GTE servicing costs will be the same as the other models.

[monkeyhanger]

If you get a service pack, you won't pay any more. If you were paying "retail" for your services, i'm sure they'd try to get an extra £30 for your "additional" checks  on the motor and battery.

The fuel cost comparisons look proportionately accurate between the models, so that spread will be relevant when the costs go up.

[karlak]

I followed one of those BMW I8's through Watford a couple of weeks ago, Was right behind it and did look very nice.  What was funny was watching other peoples reactions, I have never seen so many people stop quite literally and stare - yes even cars stopped on the road and watched it drive by.. How there wasn't an accident on the other carriageway was just luck I think.

I think the fact Clarkson couldn't plug the thing in the electric pretty much sums it up really, they possibly got the wrong person to assess its economy credentials.

[corgi]

I followed one of those BMW I8's through Watford a couple of weeks ago, Was right behind it and did look very nice.  What was funny was watching other peoples reactions, I have never seen so many people stop quite literally and stare - yes even cars stopped on the road and watched it drive by.. How there wasn't an accident on the other carriageway was just luck I think.

I think the fact Clarkson couldn't plug the thing in the electric pretty much sums it up really, they possibly got the wrong person to assess its economy credentials.

Yes, that and the fact that he didn't mention the price of the i8 as £106K... the implication of the piece was that the two cars were directly comparable... where in reality you could have 2 M3s for the price of an i8...

A striking car, the i8 though...

[Mark V GTD]

Just been advised that GFV after 3 years (5k per year) is GBP14,877 on a GTE - very disappointing at only slightly more than 50% retained.

[monkeyhanger]

Just been advised that GFV after 3 years (5k per year) is GBP14,877 on a GTE - very disappointing at only slightly more than 50% retained.

It's far better than most electrics or hybrids. You might be slightly better off than with a GTD for a shortish commute, it's when you have a really short commute, or you drive into London regularly, or your company lets you charge at work you'll save money.

These cars can save fuelling costs and nothing else. Far better having a new car with exceptional residuasls and OK mpg than one with exceptional mpg and weaker residuals. At least these hybrids don't compromise on range (but will be dearer on the longer journeys than a GTD would be for fuel.

[Mark V GTD]

I completely agree MH - I was just hoping for maybe 55 to 60% retained. The figures simply doesn't work for me - monthly cost 40 quid more than my GTD, fuel saving 40 quid! so its neutral - and that was a basic GTE with no options and assuming a 12% discount!

I will stick with the GTD unless there is some significant upward movement of the GFV :-)