Volkswagen is making 50 of its Golf GTE hatchbacks available to London motorists for £7-an-hour as part of a new partnership with the Zipcar car sharing network.

A statement issued by the German brand said that its Zipwagen partnership was a clear demonstration of how it was offering “cutting-edge” mobility solutions for “new types of customers”.

The statement added: “In future, increasing numbers of inner city residents will choose to use cars only when required and most suitable to their needs, making car sharing schemes attractive.” 

Zipcar will see 40 of Volkswagen’s sporty plug-in hybrid hatchbacks stationed in the London Borough of Westminster and a further 10 cars throughout the capital – with dedicated charging stations – for the use of Zipcar members.

The partnership allows members to get behind the wheel for as little as £7 per hour.

Rod McLeod, Volkswagen UK’s head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Volkswagen is once again demonstrating its forward thinking with this exciting new Zipwagen initiative. 

“We are already leading the way in terms of product technology and the new car buying experience – from clicks right through to collection – but this partnership with Zipcar shows that we are also providing attractive solutions to increasing numbers of inner-city residents who want to use cars on demand in preference to actually owning one.”

Mark Walker, Zipcar UK general manager, said: “Thanks to our Zipwagen partnership, Zipcar members will be able to drive this leading-edge, premium car for just £7 per hour and, once they have done so, I’m confident they will become positive advocates for electric driving in the city.”

The Golf GTE is powered by a combination of petrol engine and electric motor, claiming fuel efficiency of up to 166 mpg and CO2 of 39 g/km.

It also claims a fully-charged EVC range of up to 31 miles.