1989 Volkswagen Kombi Transporter Reviews
You'll find all our 1989 Volkswagen Kombi Transporter reviews right here. 1989 Volkswagen Kombi Transporter prices range from $4,400 for the Kombi Transporter to $11,660 for the Kombi Transporter Syncro Deluxe 4x4.
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Volkswagen Reviews and News
'Our cars are superior' to Chinese
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By Andrew Chesterton · 24 May 2026
Volkswagen Australia says it doesn’t fear newcomer Chinese brands, detailing the ways it believes its vehicles are superior while highlighting a slew of new models that it says will supercharge its sales in our market.That’s the word from the brand’s Head of Passenger Cars in Australia, Piergiorgio Minto, who says that while VW might not be able to compete directly on price with some newcomer brands, he believes his cars drive better than rival vehicles, and offer an elevated level of engineering.It’s one of three reasons he laid out that he says will continue to draw people to the Volkswagen brand.“I still believe that Volkswagen has a big advantage in drivability. Our cars are definitely superior there. So there is a different kind of engineering behind it,” he says.“And I believe that we also have some other subjects that are less linked to the product. Heritage is something that we have and we need to leverage that.“And last but not least, historically we have been present (in Australia) a long time, we have a very solid dealer network out there that is offering a strong service and is always there whenever a customer needs something.“These three propositions are quite unique. And they're still valid for the market.”The brand says its these three pillars that will spark a sales revival, suggesting it was a “perfect storm” of product renewals, rather than increased competition, that has seen sales fall over the past 18 months.“From a product perspective, you've got to remember that the biggest players involved for us — Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace — ran out last year, and T-Roc is running out this year,” says Arjun Nidigallu, Volkswagen Australia Head of Product.“So, our biggest volumes, it's just a perfect storm in terms of product changes and timings, which is why we don't feel like we're behind the eight ball."The new Tiguan plug-in hybrid, or e-Hybrid in VW parlance, has just launched in Australia, along with the spiritual successor to the Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron e-Hybrid, giving the brand a full complement across those SUV lineups. It will be joined by the second-generation T Roc — hugely important to the brand's sales numbers — which will offer more space, more tech and a new mild-hybrid powertrain.“It was part of the plan and now we're gearing up back this year towards having a full line up, and then with the T-Roc coming back next year, we'll be back in those numbers that we've seen in the past,” says Nidigallu.
Volkswagen ID.5 2026 review: Pro long-term | Part 1
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By Laura Berry · 23 May 2026
A month ago we said goodbye to our Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid long-term test car and hello to our current one, the Volkswagen ID.5 SUV.Alongside its ID.4 sibling, the ID.5 is Volkswagen’s first electric SUV and it's the first time I’ve driven one, so I entered this long-term test the same way you walk into a supermarket while on holiday - a bit lost, even if everything looks the same.The ID.5 is a mid-sized electric SUV and the Volkswagen rival to the Toyota bZ4x, Tesla Model Y, Geely EX5 and the mechanically related Skoda Enyaq.The ID.5 is the not-so identical twin to the ID.4, the difference being the ID.5 has a swoopier, coupe-like profile while the ID.4 has a boxier shape.Both the ID.5 and ID.4 are offered in two grades, the Pro and the sporty, top-of-the-range GTX.The ID. 5 Pro is the car we are testing and it lists for $62,990 before on-road costs.The standard features list includes heated and massaging front seats, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, proximity unlocking and LED headlights.The ID.5 has a 77kWh battery and a range of up to 543km. There’s one motor and it makes 210kW and 543Nm.What’s interesting is that Volkswagen created completely new models for its first electric SUVs rather than just making an electric variant of its combustion powered Tiguan mid-sized SUV.Frankly, I think an electric Tiguan would have been a better idea and I’ll tell you why later.My first impression is that the ID.5 isn’t really an SUV but just a large-ish, round-ish car. Some people told me they loved the way it looked, but I have trouble seeing its beauty. Although I admit it is uniquely designed compared to many SUVs.I immediately appreciate the quality feel of every touch point, from the door handles through to the seats and steering wheel. The ID.5 doesn’t look like any Volkswagen that went before it, but the materials and craftsmanship are very much on-brand even if the styling is new.I was concerned the ID.5 might not be big enough for my family. It doesn't seem particularly spacious or practical for a family of five.Getting our child into the car and buckled up has been hard on my back, largely because of the coupe-like roofline. Higher-riding SUVs with taller door openings make this job easy, but the ID.5’s shape doesn’t help. Halfway through putting my daughter into her car seat in the pouring rain at night, I wished Volkswagen had just made a Tiguan EV. At least the ID.4 has a boxier shape.However, the space back there for head and legroom is actually very good. Our forward-facing child seat fits well with room for our daughter’s legs without the front passenger having to squash themselves against the dashboard.Storage is good with big door pockets but the adaptable cup holder area is a waste of space (literally) and the wireless phone charger lives in a pokey little cave down there, too.The boot is big at 549 litres but, again, the sloping roofline means tall objects won't fit under that hatch. Again, I miss the practicality of the Tiguan with its draws and utility. At this point I feel like VW has forgotten its ethos of maintaining practicality.Finally, while the volume and climate control functions are physical they're haptic buttons which sometimes work and sometimes don’t. It’s already making me go a bit bananas.The best thing about the ID.5 so far is energy efficiency. Also, the way the ID.5 drives, too. It’s smooth, comfortable, planted and quick. And we’ve spent more than a thousand kilometres behind the wheel - 1142km to be exact.But really if there's one thing that impresses me the most, it’s the SUV's efficiency. Some EVs I've lived with have given me such range anxiety. They've stayed home in the driveway while we’ve taken our own combustion car instead if we are traveling far and the availability of chargers is scarce.But the ID.5 uses its charge quite frugally. Officially, the combined energy use is 16.3kWh/100km but we’ve done even better at 15.8kWh. In the coming months I’ll attempt to calculate exactly how far we can get on a full charge because I might be able to beat the 543km range.I know I’m going to regret saying that…The headlights perform an unsettling movement when the car detects the key within range. It’s a sort of shifty side-eye action that is a bit too life-like for me.The other thing is the ID.5's accelerator pedal has a 'play button’ icon embossed on it and there’s a pause button on the brake pedal. I don’t like this nor do I like the person who thought it was cute, whoever they are. Acquired: March 2026Distance travelled this month: 1142kmOdometer: 1848kmAverage energy consumption this month: 15.8kWh/100km
Famous hot hatch in huge switch-up
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By Tim Gibson · 18 May 2026
Volkswagen's iconic badge has just been changed forever, with its new ID. Polo GTI hot hatch going electric-only.There is no official news on whether the ID. Polo GTI will launch in Australia, but it is likely to be on the brand’s radar, particularly in light of increasing New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) penalties. Volkswagen Australia has been contacted for comment. It will start from the equivalent of around $65,000 in Germany, but expect it to be more expensive than that figure Down Under. It is about $15,000 more expensive than the standard ID. Polo recently unveiled in Europe. The car’s electric motor setup produces 166kW and 290Nm, enabling it to shift from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds. This is more power than the outgoing petrol-powered Polo GTI, which produces 147kW and 320Nm.It is equipped with a 52kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 424km, according to WLTP standards. This is the same unit found in the range-topping ID. Polo, offering 30km less range than in that car. It is capable of charging at 105kW via a DC charger, meaning 10-to-80 per cent fill-ups take roughly 24 minutes.The car adheres to VW's new design philosophy, with more physical buttons located on the steering wheel and centre console. The brand has included several interior elements to maintain a GTI feel for the car, despite its lack of internal combustion power. There is a 10.25-inch digital driver display, which can be changed into the style of the Mk 1 Golf in a nod to the first generation of the car. Elsewhere in the cabin is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, which also gets the Mk 1 Golf retro add-onsThe news comes after the brand launched the standard version of its ID. Polo late last month, with the GTI going on sale later this year.
Ute v Van: time to re-consider the ute
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By Marcus Craft · 17 May 2026
There’s no denying that utes are very popular as platforms for adventure touring and off-roading.However, spend any time on our nation’s road and you see just as many, if not more, vans being used as the conveyance of choice for weekend wanderers, big road trippers, and the like – afterall, #vanlife is not a hashtag for nothing.So, does a van have greater potential than a ute as an adventure vehicle?Read on.A van, even an all-wheel drive van, is not as well set-up for off-roading as a 4WD ute, no matter how impressive the marketing for the van is or how often they mention “adventure” in the advertising.But, if hard-core off-roading is not part of your plan, a van has plenty to offer.In terms of engine and transmission, power and torque outputs, driver-assist technology and day-to-day useability, vans and utes are fairly even.But it’s in the areas of 4WD set-up, ground clearance, off-road angles and load-space where the major difference lies between utes and vans.A 4WD ute, by rights, is the better off-roader and should always have better off-road driver-assist tech, ground clearance, off-road angles, and wheel travel than a van.Again, if difficult off-roading is not part of your plan, then these issues (above) don’t matter – and, besides, a van is better set up for use as a live-in adventure platform largely because of its load space.A ute’s tub/tray, as standard, is not closed in so the extent of your packing is not limited by your vehicle’s roof-line – as it is in a van – because a ute’s tub/tray doesn’t have a roof. You can load beyond the top edge of a ute’s tub, and tall or awkwardly shaped loads aren’t a problem.However, unless a ute has a lockable cover on its tub/tray, security from thieves and protection from the elements remain a serious issue. Thankfully, numerous examples of OEM or aftermarket tub coverings are available (hard or soft tonneau covers, roller shutters, aluminium lids etc) for utes.Or you can buy an aftermarket canopy to be fixed to your ute tub, and some of those options are lockable. The problem is a canopy is not an engineered-at-vehicle-origin solution, so while it offers much better security, water- and dust-proofing than having no cover at all, it’s no match for a van’s factory built-in load space. Vans have plenty of positives for adventure in their favour, even as standard.Take, for instance, the Ford Transit Custom Trail, which has been designed for use as an adventure vehicle. The Trail can be optioned as a two-seater with hard-wearing plastic everywhere – ready for the messiness of work and life – as well as charge points (USB-A and -C) and storage (including a van-favourite dash-top slot for logbooks etc, outboard moulded cupholders and a nifty pop-out cupholder).The load space includes access via a barn door at the rear and the Trail can be optioned up to have a sliding door on both sides.The cargo area is substantial – 3002mm long (to the bulkhead; 3450mm long if load-through hatch is used), 1392mm wide (between wheel arches) and 1425mm high (floor to roof). Easily big enough for work equipment or recreational gear. It can cope with four Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm each) and it has a listed maximum load volume (with the bulkhead) of 6.8 cubic metres.Load height through the rear barn doors is 531-585mm, depending on how much weight (driver, passenger etc) is already onboard.The load space has a metal bulkhead (with window and load-through hatch), load area protection kit (full height walls and moulded floor), LED lights and eight tie-down loops.Payloads in vans can range upwards of 1000kg, while payloads in utes (e.g. a single-cab) can be upwards of about 1000kg. (US pick-ups can manage more – with listed payloads of 1759kg and up – but in this yarn mainstream utes are the focus.)But a van’s rear load space could be considered a distinct advantage – or at least a major point of difference – over a ute.A van can be big, for example the cargo space in a 2021 long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 is 3061mm long, 1709mm wide, and 1391mm high; with 1265mm between the rear wheel-arches, so a 1165mm standard Australian pallet will easily slot in. Official cargo volume in the Vito is 6.6 square metres.Vans are built to carry loads and as such there is plenty of space in the rear, and amenities back there include tie-down points (with which to secure your load), lighting systems (halogen or LED), wood panelling on the interior walls and rear door, rubber or vinyl matting, or other grippy protective surface on the floor of the cargo area, and even power points.The load spaces in vans are ripe for customisation to house bedding, and extra storage for an adventurous person or couple.And the rear load space may provide open access to the driver and front passengers(s), or it may be separated from the cabin of the van by a bulkhead with a built-in cargo barrier.Access to that fully secure load space may be via sliding doors on either side of the van or by using the rear door, which might be 180°-opening rear twin barn doors (with window), or a single lift-up tailgate, and either of those can be fully locked open so a forklift can be used to place a heavier load in the cargo area.So while there’s no problem with permitted access, the load space is fully lockable, so theoretically secure, and the contents may be concealed.The cabins of utes and vans are similar in that they can be set up as mobile offices, with an immediate ease of use and comfort as priorities: think cloth seats, durable plastic surfaces and storage spaces aplenty including a lockable glovebox, dash-top slots (for log books, general paperwork etc) as well as door pockets and bottle-holder, a cup-holder at each end of the dash, and a centre console bin.With fuel prices so high, is a van more appealing than a ute in terms of how much fuel it will use?As a sweeping generalisation, vans are regarded as offering better fuel economy than utes, especially around town (with approximate average fuel use of 6.5–9.5L/100km), but utes are more aerodynamic than vans, so may produce better fuel-use figures in combined travel, for example, highway, bush tracks etc (with approximate average fuel use of 8.5–11.0L/100km (diesel); or 10L/100km, petrol).Vans may be lighter than utes, especially sans load, but weight and aerodynamics will change dramatically when either vehicle has undergone the fitment of aftermarket equipment (say, a bullbar, roof rack, storage pod etc) and/or a fit-out for camping and touring.Rather than DIYing your own home-away-from-home, an option well worth considering is going for a pre-built camper and using off-the shelf outfitters. The chances are – unless you’re very handy on the tools – building a rig yourself will take up a lot of your time, will likely incur additional expenses and is far less convenient for you than a built-to-order van.Sydney-based Aussie company Trakka is a fine example of a business whose sole focus is to produce top-quality purpose-built adventure-travel vehicles. Trakka is a family-owned and -run boutique business established in Sydney in 1973, and specialises in the Australian design and conversion of motorhomes, campervans and special-purpose vehicles.Its wide range of products includes the latest-generation Akuna range with the MY25 spec.The Akuna is based on the Volkswagen Crafter mid-wheelbase van, and is equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, updated multimedia system, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (130kW/410Nm), and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is available with VW 4Motion all wheel drive or front wheel drive.Akuna highlights include 5120Wh (10,000Wh and 15,000Wh options) total energy storage, AC 4000W / DC 840W total output power, an 800w solar roof set-up, high-tech fibreglass reinforced thermoplastic composite material, vinyl rubber-backed floor covering, maximum storage overhead lockers, 170L fridge/freezer, integrated 140L fresh- and 80L grey-water tanks built across the vehicle for more even weight distribution, a 15L hot water tank, and switch-operated electronic grey-water dump valve.The Akuna, as standard, is 6840mm long, 2720mm high and 2050mm wide and has 200mm of ground clearance.GVM is 4000kg and towing capacity is 3000kg.So, that’s a home away from home on wheels and ready for action.Is it time to re-think your ute purchase? Is a van or ute best for adventure? Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits your lifestyle, but increasingly a van makes the stronger case of the two as an all-purpose adventure and touring vehicle.
Bad news for iconic car's EV version
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By James Cleary · 14 May 2026
Volkswagen global CEO Thomas Schäfer has confirmed an electric version of the German giant’s next-gen Golf 9 will appear much later than its originally scheduled 2028 launch date.As recently as March this year CarsGuide reported that VW AG Chairwoman of the General and Group Works Council Daniela Cavallo had flagged a mid-2027 shift of production of the internal-combustion Golf from Wolfsburg in Germany to the company’s Puebla plant in Southern Mexico.And Ms Cavallo was keen to reassure the Wolfsburg plant employees she represents that the move was designed to make way for a ninth-generation, pure-electric ID.Golf produced in Germany, showing a teaser silhouette image of the upcoming Golf 9.But speaking overnight at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit in London, CEO Schäfer has pointed to the end of the decade as the earliest launch point for a Golf EV.“We have a fantastic line-up now that we do not need an electric Golf in 2028. We are well set with what we have in our portfolio with our vehicles," he said.One of a panel of close to 90 speakers at the summit, including Stellantis CEO Antonia Filosa, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa and Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick, Mr Schäfer went on to give a progress update on the VW Group’s all-new 800V Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) set (according to VW Group CEO Oliver Blume) to bring price parity to ICE and EV models.In a pointer to a timing pushback for the ID.Golf, Schäfer said, “SSP, we will roll it out across the brands. We will start with the premium brands first. It will start with Audi, then Porsche, then us and on and on.“It sounds like we take so long (with SSP), but for us we are looking at scale and you have to have scale in this game or you'll never make margin parity,” he said. The rescheduling may also reflect Blume’s reported announcement in February this year of a planned 20 per cent reduction in costs across all VW Group brands by the end of 2028.As detailed by Manager Magazin, in response to falling profits caused by higher input costs, a softening Chinese vehicle market, increasing competition from Chinese brands outside their domestic market and US tariffs, Blume and group CFO Arno Antlitz presented a "massive" savings plan at a closed-door meeting with the company's top executives in Berlin in mid-January.Manager Magazin quotes one insider predicting even more radical steps than those recently taken by VW, in which around 35,000 jobs are to be cut by 2030.“It will also involve plant closures,” they said.
Legendary badge could return on new hatch
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By Laura Berry · 11 May 2026
Hot on the heels of Volkswagen’s unveiling of its fully electric ID. Polo, the brand has hinted that a high-performance ‘Clubsport’ version of the little hatch is on the way, according to reports.The ID. Polo is Volkswagen’s first electric variant of the model and it has just arrived in Europe to rival the likes of the BYD Dolphin and MG4 with an entry price of about $41,000. The sporty GTI version is due to launch in Europe next year.Now according to British publication Autocar, Volkswagen is tinkering away on an even sportier ‘Clubsport’ variant.While at the preview drive of the ID. Polo GTI Volkswagen dynamics boss Florian Umbach hinted of what was to come."We are working on something," he told Autocar. "There is certainly more peak power that we can find from the motor and battery hardware that we have and more torque that the front axle could handle also. There is clear potential.” Umbach also revealed that Volkswagen was working on a paddle shift style ‘gear-change’ system for the vehicle similar to what Hyundai uses on the Ioniq 5 N.“This is simply a software thing,” he explained. “It’s all about motor control and an audio soundtrack to match.” There is a catch, however. And that, according to Umbach, is the success of the GTI. If that proves popular then his other ‘dream’ projects like Clubsport have a chance of getting the green light.“These are the kinds of things that the executive board will only let us explore if the GTI is a commercial success, of course. If people respond to this car as it is, we can really take it to the next level.”The ID. Polo has yet to be confirmed for Australia with the local arm saying that neither availability nor timing for the arrival of the hatch were certain.The ID. Polo is shorter in length than its petrol cousin at 4053mm, but wider at 1816mm and taller at 1530mm.Powering the ID. Polo is a choice of three motors making 85kW, 99kW and 155kW, while the GTI version will produce 166kW.Two batteries are offered - a 37kWh with 329km of range and a 52kWh battery will offer up to 454km.Volkswagen has a growing range of electric models in its Australian line-up which includes the ID. Buzz people mover, ID. Cargo van and Transporter, along with the ID. 4 and ID.5 SUVs.
Another big brand's future is tied to China
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By Dom Tripolone · 04 May 2026
One of the world’s largest carmakers is looking to China for some of its next-gen global cars.Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume said the company could export some of its currently China-only vehicles, according to UK outlet Autocar.This includes to Europe and other global regions such as Asia, South America, Middle East and presumably Australia now that it is a priority market for EVs thanks to the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Building vehicles for Australia in China can help reduce costs due to a free-trade agreement, manufacturing scale and reduced shipping costs due to our close proximity. Volkswagen has several partnerships with Chinese brands it could leverage, but the most likely are the joint-ventures with SAIC, which owns MG, and XPeng.“It's too early to decide if we want to localise a Chinese platform in Germany, but if we would do it, our priority would be to take one of our own platforms first,” said Blume via Autocar."This year we are ramping up the CMP platform, which is planned for 2027 in China. This work has to be done first, and then we could think about options in Europe and check which products could be the right ones.”The CMP platform has been co-developed with XPeng and will spawn a number of vehicles.It could also bring some of its SAIC developed vehicles such as the giant ID.ERA 9X SUV, which was just recently revealed in China.“We are getting right now the feedback and response from the market for our first new product in China. Then we will decide, depending on the success we have in China, which models would fit in Europe, especially in segments where we are not present with our current portfolio in Europe,” said Blume.Volkswagen isn’t alone in considering China-built vehicles for global markets.Nissan has been bullish on exporting its vehicles developed with Dongfeng, with Australia likely to get several models in the coming years.Toyota too is mulling whether to send some of its wide array of currently China-only vehicles to other markets.
Iconic badge turns electric
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By Tim Gibson · 30 Apr 2026
Volkswagen has officially unveiled its new ID. Polo electric hatch, which will be the brand’s first electric variant of the popular model.The ID. Polo is the latest of the brand’s revamped electric fleet, and will be one of its cheapest EVs.There is no official news yet on the ID. Polo’s potential future in Australia.It would tackle the likes of the BYD Dolphin, MG4 and the incoming GWM Ora 5, as well as the GAC Aion UT, which all start from under $40K.Expect the ID. Polo to have a bigger price tag, given it starts from the equivalent of around $41,000 in Germany and will be subject to additional costs if exported here. It would also be a rival to crossover models such as the Zeekr X and the Renault Megane E-Tech.A spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said the brand is not able to confirm availability of the ID. Polo or detailed timing at this stage.There will be three electric motor choices producing 85kW, 99kW and 155kW. The launch of a GTI version has been pushed back to next year, and will boost power to 166kW. Lower grade models of the car get a 37kWh battery, offering a driving range of 329km (WLTP), while higher specifications get 454km (WLTP) of range from a 52kWh unit. Additionally, the battery has DC charging capacity at 105kW, but official charging times are yet to be revealed by VW.The ID. Polo follows the brand’s new design direction inside, whcih features the return of physical buttons on the centre console. There's a 10-inch digital driver display and a 13-inch central touchscreen, along with a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The car has vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing for external devices to be charged from its battery.Measuring at 4053mm long, 1816mm wide and 1530mm tall, the ID. Polo is shorter than the petrol Polo, but bigger in every other dimension, including wheelbase.Pre-sales of the ID. Polo in Europe will begin imminently.
Huge details on incoming new VW Golf
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By Tim Gibson · 28 Apr 2026
More details have been revealed about the new generation Mk9 electric Volkswagen Golf, with the car said to be “96 to 97 per cent done”. The main change on the new Golf is it will feature a fully-electric set-up as well as a combustion model. In an overseas interview, VW's Head of Technical Development Kai Grunitz said this means there will be two separate platforms for the new Golf. Electric versions of the Golf will be one of the first models to use the new Scalable Systems Platform. The platform is expected to offer super fast charging times and other performance improvements. According to the brand, the new generation Golf will draw inspiration from the iconic Mk4 design, praised for its sporty and sleek design at the time. The electric Golf will take on the Renault Megane E-Tech and a car from its sister brand, the Cupra Born. Combustion versions of the Golf will continue to battle the Hyundai i30 and the Mazda 3.The car remains a few years off an official launch, with tentative plans for 2028 or 2029. As for its potential in Australia, there are no details yet."We’re pleased to see the interest in the Mk9 Volkswagen Golf," a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said. "Volkswagen Australia continues to evaluate opportunities for the local market, however we’re not in a position to confirm local availability or timing for Australia at this stage."An electric Golf would have National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) benefits for the brand Down Under, given its Golf lineup currently is exclusively petrol powered. It is unclear what engine the new combustion Golf will be fitted with, but VW recently announced a plug-less hybrid version of the current generation.Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motor set-up is a possibility for the Mk9.The Golf is currently on sale in Australia with a starting price of $39,290 (before on-road costs), rising to $71,990 (before on-road costs) for up-spec models.It comes with two engine choices, which are a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, producing 110kW and 250Nm, while high-performance variants get a 2.0-litre unit, pumping out up to 245kW and 420Nm.
Watch out Toyota, new hybrids confirmed
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By James Cleary · 24 Apr 2026
Volkswagen has broadened available powertrain options in two of its mainstay models with the introduction of full-hybrid versions of the Golf hatch and T-Roc small SUV.Scheduled for global release in the fourth quarter of this year the newcomers are ‘plugless’ hybrids powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine supported by a hybrid module consisting of two electric motors (one drive unit and the second acting as a generator), power electronics, a differential, single-speed transmission and an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch used to engage and disengage the combustion engine.VW said the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid have been designed to enable a higher proportion of pure-electric driving compared with existing ‘eTSI’ mild-hybrid variants and reduce charging complexity relative to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.Final specs for the electric motors and lithium-ion battery are yet to be detailed for the prospective Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross rivals but VW has confirmed both will be front-wheel drive only with three operating modes available.The electric motor will be engaged exclusively at low speeds. Then, in ‘Serial drive’ the combustion engine is decoupled to act as an additional generator for battery charging. And, as the name suggests, ‘Parallel drive’ puts the engine in the primary position at speeds at or above 60km/h with the electric drive motor in support as a ‘booster’ when accelerating.Three driving profiles - ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ also modulate maximum system output according to specific needs.Badged ‘eHybrid’ or GTE in more performance-focused variants, VW is positioning the new models as “a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario” in addition to its pure-electric ID. line-up.CarsGuide contacted Volkswagen Australia for comment on the potential for the new Golf and T-Roc hybrids joining the brand’s local range and a spokesperson said, "While Volkswagen Australia continues to assess future opportunities for the local market, we’re unable to confirm Australian availability or timing at this stage."