2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE spied

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid has been spied by photographers during development testing in Europe.

In typical fashion, the Golf PHEV looks pretty much identical to all the other Mk8 prototypes we've seen over the past year, with the exception of the extra flap in the front-left fender housing the charge port.

With the heavy camouflage, it's hard to see if there are any other obvious design details, though previous versions of the Golf GTE have donned blue accents inside and out in place of the red bits on the GTI hot hatch.

The Golf GTE will be the most electrified version of the next-gen Golf line-up, given the all-electric e-Golf is being replaced by the upcoming ID.3 – which is scheduled to be revealed in Frankfurt next week.

It's believed the new Golf PHEV will be powered by an updated version of the powertrain found in the current model and larger Passat GTE, which teams a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. In the Passat, the system puts out a total of 160kW.

With the larger 13kWh battery that's just been added to the Passat GTE, the smaller and lighter Golf should be capable of driving around 60 kilometres on electric power alone, which is more than enough for the daily commute of most European customers.

It's unclear whether the GTE/PHEV variant of the Golf will be revealed alongside the core range, which is scheduled for reveal before the end of the year.

Regardless, don't expect to see the GTE or any 48V mild-hybrid versions of the Golf in Australian showrooms when the all-new small car arrives Down Under during the fourth quarter of 2020, as the local division has opted to go straight to EV products given Australia's lax emissions regulations and high-sulphur petroleum.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest news on the Volkswagen Golf, and click on the images for the full gallery.

MORE: Volkswagen Golf news, reviews, comparisons and videos
MORE: Everything Volkswagen