Volkswagen has announced its first strong-hybrid engine, which will be available with the international-spec Golf hatchback and T-Roc SUV from the fourth quarter of 2026 (October-December). The new strong-hybrid setup on Volkswagen cars will be similar to the strong-hybrid offerings from Honda, Maruti, and Toyota in India.
- Strong-hybrid setup includes a 1.6kWh battery and two motors
- Could be driven in an electric-only mode at speeds up to 60kph
- Will be offered in two states of tune, of around 138hp and 172hp
Volkswagen Golf, T-Roc strong hybrid: All you need to know
Will be offered in two states of tunes
Volkswagen will pair the new strong hybrid setup on the Volkswagen Golf and T-Roc with the 1.5-litre TSI engines, which will power the front wheels. Notably, this is the updated Evo2 version of the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that is offered with the Taigun and Virtus (EA211 Evo) in the manufacturer's Indian lineup. The hybrid system includes a 1.6kWh battery and two electric motors – one for the drive and another as a generator. The battery pack is integrated into the rear section of the floors of both cars.
Volkswagen says that the strong-hybrid setup will be offered in two states of tuning, which our sister publication, Autocar UK, has learnt will be around 138hp and 172hp. This setup enables an electric-only drive at speeds up to 60kph, with the engine working as a generator. As speeds rise, the electric motor acts as a booster when accelerating.
Volkswagen says that the “new hybrid models are not dependent on charging cables and charging infrastructure” and hence have lower purchase costs. Hence, in the Golf lineup, a strong-hybrid option will sit between the more affordable eTSI mild-hybrid and the costlier GTE plug-in hybrid. On the T-Roc, however, it will be positioned at the top of the lineup. It has been learned that the US and other global export markets of the Golf will receive the 172hp version.