The Passat GTE – making its global debut at the Paris show later this week – is the first plug-in Volkswagen hybrid offered in saloon and estate body style. It follows the earlier launch of the Golf GTE hatchback (and the battery-only e-Golf).

The GTE is the latest version to be announced of the eighth generation Passat, currently being launched in Europe, and is the first PHEV Passat.

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VW describes it as “a zero-emission and long-distance vehicle in one”. Plug-in hybrid, in this case, combines a turbocharged direct injection petrol engine (TSI) with an electric motor supplied with energy from an externally (or, in charge mode, internally) chargeable lithium-ion battery. All-electric ‘E-Mode’ range is up to 31 miles. As with other PHEVs, such as Mitsubishi’s hot-selling Outlander SUV, the all-electric model range be ‘reserved’ for use at will, such as when entering a city with low emission zones.

‘GTE’ mode delivers a maximum system output of 160kW/218PS; a wide variety of parameters such as the accelerator pedal and steering are also configured in a sportier way in this mode.

The 1.4-litre TSI engine develops 115kW/156 PS (at 5,000 rpm); the electric motor produces 85 kW/15PS. Maximum torque of the PHEV system is 400 Nm.

NEDC consumption (for hybrid vehicles) is over 141mpg (under two-litres/100 km) and 13kWh/100 km; equivalent to CO2 emissions lower than 45g/km. In combination with the TSI, this results in a driving range of over 620 miles on a 50-litre fuel tank with fully charged battery – Paris to London return without refuelling, VW claims.

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The Passat GTE has front wheel drive and a six-gear dual clutch gearbox developed specially for hybrid drive. It accelerates to 62mph (100km/h) in under eight seconds and achieves a top speed of over 136 mph; or 80mph in E-Mode.

It also has a unique chrome radiator grille with additional blue line, reshaped front bumper with distinctive cross panels in the lower air inlet and C-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The GTE gets a ‘Composition Media’ infotainment system and unique instrument cluster with power meter. The latest Passat line’s new Active Info Display with specific displays will be optional.

Standard details such as blue ambient lighting, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in ‘Sevilla’ cloth with a blue basic structure have also been especially designed for the GTE.

A ‘CAR-NET e-Remote’ smartphone will enable owners to start battery charging and activate the climate control remotely. Vehicle status information such as battery charge state, recent driving data or last parking position can also be queried. It will also be possible to check whether the doors are closed and the lights turned off.

The Passat GTE will be launched in the second half of next year – both as a saloon and an estate.

UK (RHD) orders open in June 2015 for first deliveries in October.