Volkswagen to introduce full-hybrid powertrains with 2026 T-Roc
Volkswagen will introduce a full-hybrid powertrain to its line-up for the first time with the second-generation T-Roc, which will be unveiled at the Munich motor show in September.
The move marks a shift in the German car maker’s electrification strategy as it responds to slower than expected electric car sales.
The new set-up is similar to that used by the Toyota Prius, combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery.
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The ICE unit is expected to be a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which will drive the wheels alongside the electric motor. The petrol engine will also function as a generator to recharge the battery pack to enable limited electric-only driving. Various outputs are planned, ranging from 201bhp to 268bhp, with peak torque of of 258lb ft to 295lb ft, a source has confirmed to Autocar.
The technology differs from Volkswagen’s current hybrid systems, which either need to be charged via an external source (plug-in hybrid) or provide only an electric boost during normal running and are unable to operate in pure-electric mode (mild hybrid).
The new hybrid drivetrain will not be exclusive to the T-Roc. Both the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia are set to receive it and additional models could follow.
The MQB Evo platform, which underpins a wide range of Volkswagen Group models including the new T-Roc, allows for further expansion of the company’s new hybrid drivetrain across models such as the Tiguan, Passat and Tayron, as well as Audi’s A3, Seat/Cupra’s Leon and Formentor and Skoda’s Scala, Kodiaq and Superb, Autocar has been told.
Models with the new hybrid system will be badged as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), a Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed to Autocar.
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Despite the shift towards hybrid technology, diesel engines will remain available in key Volkswagen models for the foreseeable future. However, the long-term future of diesel within the company’s line-up is expected to depend on customer demand and the success of new HEV models.
Volkswagen has committed to investing €60 billion (£51.5bn) by 2028 into ICE development, including the new HEV drivetrain.
The first HEV model, the new T-Roc, will be launched in the UK next year and will also be sold with petrol and diesel powertrains.
As our spy shots show, the new version of the popular crossover will feature a more prominent front grille than the car it replaces as well as slimmer, more angular headlights, bringing it into line with the latest Passat, Tiguan and Golf.
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