2024 Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Golf GTE is Volkswagen's plug-in hybrid take on the hot-hatch formula, pairing a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 242 bhp. This 2024 car, finished in Dolphin Grey, has covered 21,995 miles and drives through a six-speed DSG. VW quotes 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, so it is quick without being a full-fat GTI.

The plug-in powertrain gives it CO2 emissions of just 27g/km. It also has a split personality: electric running for short commutes, and petrol and electric together for brisk, flexible performance when you want it. Specification includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with parking assistance, 3-zone climate control, Discover Navigation with Bluetooth, and IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with dynamic cornering. Rear side airbags are also fitted.

It is a sensible, well-equipped used buy at under £22,000, with mileage that is modest for the age. The GTE sits closer to the quick-but-economical end of the Golf range than to the track-focused R, but it carries the GT-badged performance credentials and a genuinely useful turn of speed.