Volkswagen has added to its growing list of 2015 automotive industry accolades by winning the Green category in the annual BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards – the Techies. The prestigious title was awarded to Volkswagen for the Golf GTE, an innovative plug-in hybrid that combines sporty dynamics with exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Now in their seventh year, the Techies are judged by both BusinessCar’s experienced editorial panel with help from TRL’s technology expert. The industry’s only technology-specific awards, the BusinessCar Techies reward the use of technology to make business car fleet operations easier, cheaper, cleaner, safer and more straightforward.

The judging panel selected the Golf GTE ahead of strong and established rivals on the Green shortlist, citing its exceptional performance, value and ease of use.

BusinessCar Editor and judge Paul Barker said: “Volkswagen has taken a huge step towards normalising ultra-low emission vehicles with the introduction of the GTE, a Golf that sits alongside its siblings in practicality, price and performance terms.

“It’s a sensible purchase that stacks up on running costs as well as environmental responsibility while proving that electric vehicles can be fun, entertaining, high quality and attractive.”

Launched in the UK earlier this year, the Golf GTE is priced from £33,755 and combines a 1.4-litre TSI engine with an electric motor. Along with three hybrid driving modes and ‘GTE’ mode, it also offers the all-electric ‘E-mode’ that provides silent, emission-free operation up to a distance of 31 miles.

Equipped with a six-speed DSG transmission as standard the combined power output of the Golf GTE’s electric motor and the TSI engine is 204 PS, while CO2 emissions are just 39 g/km.

Commenting on the award, Volkswagen’s Head of Fleet, Michael O’Shea added: “The Golf GTE represents a significant milestone in Volkswagen technology and I’m delighted that this has been recognised with this award. We know that buyers want to combine exceptional economy and emissions with the performance and proven quality that Volkswagen delivers – the Golf GTE proves that you really can have the best of both worlds.”

Source: Volkswagen