The New Passat GTE is now available to order in the UK, with 166mpg, 39g/km & a top speed of 140mph, what's not to like.

• State-of-the-art plug-in hybrid model joins award-winning Passat range
• Sports performance and exceptional economy come together in family-friendly model
• Available to order tomorrow, with prices starting from £36,525 (RRP OTR) excluding grant

Space, pace, and environmental credentials that even before its official UK showroom debut have already secured it a prestigious ‘green’ award: the new Volkswagen Passat GTE is calculated to offer drivers the very best of all worlds.

A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut here, the new Passat GTE is available to order tomorrow through the Volkswagen UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525 (RRP OTR), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500.

The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new car offers spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in all-electric mode. 

Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits just 39g of CO₂ on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg.  Yet with 400 Nm of torque and combined system power of 218 PS, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in a lively 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph, where legal. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles.

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode.  A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 156 PS, while the electric motor adds a further 115 PS. Underlining its engaging performance capabilities, the electric motor alone can provide up to 330 Nm of torque from near-standstill.

A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE and features a third, disengagement clutch.  This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further.

Building on the already elegant lines of the new Passat – voted European Car of the Year 2015 - the Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the award-winning Golf GTE.  A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional innovative Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters.  Unique GTE badging also marks out the new Passat.

Bristling with innovative and engaging new technology, the new Passat GTE boasts Volkswagen’s new Car-Net e-Remote app which allows a wide variety of tasks – including charging – to be controlled via smartphone.  All climate control functions can be also activated remotely, while information on the vehicle’s state of charge, recent driving data or last parking position can be displayed.  It is also possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

The Passat GTE’s electric motor develops maximum torque of 330 Nm and offers continuous torque of 170 Nm. The 1.4-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is as sophisticated as the electric motor and drivetrain. This four-valve per cylinder unit from the EA211 engine family uses an ultra-rigid die-cast aluminium crankcase.  Maximum power of 156 PS comes at 5,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 250 Nm is on offer between 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm.

Under normal circumstances, the Passat GTE starts in pure electric E-Mode. When it reaches minimum battery charge hybrid mode is activated. Here the Passat GTE operates as a full hybrid, charging the battery under deceleration and automatically using the TSI motor and/or electric motor as required.  However, should the driver wish to conserve electric power (for example to use E-Mode in a city at the end of a journey), Battery Charge mode can be selected.  For maximum power, GTE mode can be chosen: this uses both petrol and electric motors.

The car’s lithium-ion battery is fitted in the floor area of the rear seat bench. Comprising eight modules of 12 cells each, it creates a nominal voltage of 360 V and power of 9.9 kWh, with a peak output of 85 kW.  The high-voltage battery is overseen electronically by the Battery Management Controller, which manages various functions including the battery’s liquid cooling system.

Charging is achieved either via a standard UK domestic mains outlet in around four hours and 15 minutes; or in two hours 30 minutes from a dedicated wallbox with a 3.6 kW supply.

The Passat GTE comes in two highly specified trim levels in the UK.  On top of the standard features of the Passat GT (such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, Discover Navigation, Bluetooth and parking sensors), standard items include LED headlights and tail lights, Mode 2&3 charging cables and Car-Net e-Remote.  Standard items on the GTE Advance trim also include the new Active Info Display, Discover Pro navigation (eight-inch screen), Nappa leather, Area View and LED premium headlights.

Despite its extra technology and revised styling, dimensions of the Passat GTE match those of the standard Passat, including boot volume (402-968 litres for the saloon and 483-1613 litres for the estate).

Judges in the Next Green Car Awards said of the Volkswagen: “Volkswagen’s Passat is an excellent large family car that performs well in every area. Add to it the plug-in hybrid powertrain that effortlessly provides drive for all situations and the Passat GTE becomes a dominant model in the large family class.”  

Volkswagen Passat GTE
Model	Engine	Gearbox	Power	CO2(g/km)	OTR RRP	OTR RRP with OLEV grant
Passat GTE	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£36,525	£34,025
Passat GTE Advance	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£40,180	£37,680
Passat Estate GTE	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£38,075	£35,575
Passat Estate GTE Advance	1.4 TSI with electric motor	Six-speed DSG	218 PS	39	£41,730	£39,230

USA - LEXUS 3 - A few tweaks to the Hybrid CT range brings the 2016 Model year car up to date.

• 42 MPG EPA Estimated Combined Fuel Economy
• F SPORT Package Delivers Sporty Performance
• Peace of Mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect

What do you get when Lexus melds a sporty luxury compact with an environmentally conscientious attitude? The 2016 CT 200h. With an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined fuel economy the CT 200h is one of six hybrid models Lexus offers for 2016. Lexus has been the hybrid luxury leader since it introduced the first luxury hybrid more than 10 years ago.

           

The CT 200h broke new ground for Lexus, introducing the brand to a younger generation of highly discerning customers. They, too, quickly discovered the refinement and driving pleasure that characterize the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

           

A sporty chassis keeps the CT 200h connected to the road’s curves, and for 2016, the dashing look is enhanced with a chrome surround grille.

Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Remote (subscription required), allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Key features include remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more. 

Lexus Enform Service Connect (subscription required) allows customers to remotely view information about certain aspects of their Lexus vehicle via the MyLexusandBeyond mobile application for iOS smartphone users or LexusDrivers.com.  Information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report that includes email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more.      

           

What Makes It Go (On So Little Fuel)

There’s no magic needed to get sporty performance with EPA fuel economy estimates of 43 MPG city / 40 MPG highway / 42 MPG combined. It just takes the world’s deepest well of hybrid expertise and experience. In the CT 200h, that translates to a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine teamed to a 650 volt motor/generator for a combined output of 134 horsepower. A second motor in the hybrid system serves as both engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack.

           

The powertrain is mated to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) that makes the best use of the instant torque of the electric motor and quickly finds the optimal gear ratio to enhance the driving experience.

           

It’s the unseen engineering details that really make a difference in the CT’s fuel efficiency. For example, an exhaust heat recovery system uses the heat of spent exhaust gases to speed engine coolant warm-up. That in turn allows the hybrid system to stop the engine earlier and more often in the driving cycle when it’s not needed, for example in low-power-demand city driving conditions.

           

Like other Lexus models, the CT 200h puts a wide range of vehicle control at the driver’s fingertips through the Lexus Drive Mode Select system. You can choose from four distinct modes: Normal, Sport, Eco or EV. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response that gives naturally progressive power. Sport mode yields a more responsive and dynamic driving experience.

           

In Eco mode, air conditioning settings are adjusted and the throttle response is reduced relative to the pedal angle to emphasize fuel economy. Under certain circumstances, the EV mode can allow the CT 200h to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. It’s ideal for crawling through a crowded parking lot or garage when searching for a space, for example.

F SPORT: Look Sporty. Feel Sporty.

The F SPORT is hard to miss, thanks to its exclusive mesh version of the Lexus spindle grille, black contrast roof, rear spoiler with two large air ducts, 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with two-tone graphite and machine finish and mesh and fog lamp inserts with black surrounds.

           

For even more head-turning power, the F SPORT offers two unique exterior colors:  Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Another of the color choices, Redline, features a highly scratch resistant self-restoring coat.   

           

It’s not all about great looks. The CT’s F SPORT-tuned suspension includes specially tuned dampers and springs to increase agility, making every drive feel its sportiest.

 

 

It Is A Lexus, After All

Compact, sporty and shockingly thrifty with fuel, the CT 200h is of course a pure Lexus. That means a considerably higher level of luxury than you’ll see in anything this size. Standard features include a 10-way power driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.

           

Available cabin choices like NuLuxe seating reflect the CT’s eco-conscious mission. NuLuxe seating material offers the elegant look and supple feel of leather. Yet, even compared to other synthetic leathers, NuLuxe weighs half as much, and its manufacturing process generates far fewer CO₂ and VOC emissions. Perforated Flaxen leather is also available, accentuated by metallic interior trim that highlights the CT’s sporty nature.

Informative and Conversational

The available Display Audio/Navigation screen controls a multimedia system featuring complimentary HD Radio™, real-time traffic, and weather. Models equipped with the optional navigation system use Remote Touch Interface.

           

The cache radio feature will quickly endear itself. If you’re busy with something when a favorite song comes on the radio, such as paying a toll or waiting at a bank or coffee drive-through, cache radio will store it for up to 15-minutes and let you listen later. Or, tag it with iTunes^® Tagging to download later.

           

The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin. You may hear voices with greater clarity than you have before. A 10-speaker system is available. Both systems, of course, live up to the brand’s reputation for stellar sound. The Display Audio and Navigation systems both employ Bluetooth^® 3.0 and dual USB ports to ensure you can connect your music any way you like.

New for 2016

• Grille with chrome surround
• Optional moonroof
• Available Lexus Enform Remote for vehicles equipped with optional Lexus Display Audio or Navigation
• Available Lexus Service Connect

Vehicle Details

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

• Suspension design combines a MacPherson strut front system with a fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension.
• A unique lateral performance damper system is designed to absorb and minimize body vibrations to offer a more linear steering feel and further enhanced ride comfort.
• The CT 200h braking system is augmented by regenerative braking which also helps recharge the hybrid battery pack and improve fuel economy.
• Standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels on the CT 200h are equipped with P215/45 R17 all-season tires.

Safety

• Standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and knee airbags, side curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags.
• Optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can help reduce collision damage. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS is equipped with a front-mounted radar sensor that is designed to detect certain obstacles in front of the car.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and four-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat.
• The standard six-speaker audio system features the world's first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin.
• Voice recognition and Bluetooth technology hands-free communication when paired with a compatible smartphone.
• Siri^® Eyes Free Mode  (iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward) lets you call contacts , get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, select and play music from iTunes^® and much more.

Luxury Options

• Navigation with Lexus Enform Destinations, Lexus Enform App Suite (Destination Services, Pandora^®, iHeartRadio, Slacker, Open Table^®, Yelp^®, Movie Tickets.com), and HD Radio with iTunes tagging. Package includes HDD navigation system, back-up camera and voice command. Also features Bluetooth hands-free phone, phone book download capability and Lexus’ exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback.
• The Premium Audio Package includes the Lexus Premium Audio System with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, Homelink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.
• The Leather Package includes perforated leather-trimmed seats, driver memory, and rain sensing variable intermittent wipers.
• LED low-beam headlamps with headlamp washers
• Electrochromic (auto-dimming) rearview mirror with backup camera
• Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Park Assist
• Seat Comfort Package: Heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and manual sliding sunshade.

Exterior Design

• The spindle grille is flanked by headlamp clusters positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself.
• Headlamps focus on piercing, single halogen or optional twin LED low beam lamps.
• Compact and aerodynamic door mirrors with an integral, LED side turn signal lamp.
• Tail lamps incorporate a Lexus L-shaped motif.
• Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper and finned rear undercover smooths airflow from beneath the car, further improving both vehicle stability and fuel consumption.

Interior Design

• The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with an  seven-inch, LCD multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and system controls.
• The front seats feature pronounced side bolsters engineered with internal wire framing for additional lateral support during high-G cornering.
• Extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of the cockpit.
• Ecological Plastics with 30 percent plant-based Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials are used for the floor mats, deck side and deck board trim. The CT is more than 80 percent recyclable and is designed to be easily dismantled. Recycle marks have been placed on the front, rear and tailgate trim to facilitate optimum recycling.

F SPORT Package

• F SPORT-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels two-tone finish.
• Front grille with mesh inserts, metal front scuff plates, black contrast roof, a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel all add to the sporty feel.
• Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats with white perforation are available. 

Warranty

• 48-month/50,000miles basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
• 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
• 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.
• Eight years/100,000 miles hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.