The new E-Golf promises a greater range, better performance and improved levels of gadgetry. Here is everything you need to know about the all-electric hatchback.
The VW E-Golf has been updated to make it a more tempting choice for motorists who want to go all-electric and, on paper at least, it appears to be a much more useful car.
Based on the current VW Golf, the E-Golf replaces a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor that now outputs 134bhp, up 20bhp on its predecessor, while torque is up 14lb/ft (20Nm) to 213lb/ft (290Nm).
That performance increase helps the new VW E-Golf to sprint from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, which is reasonable spritely but by no means fast for an electric car, and max out at a top speed of 93mph.
By increasing the capacity of the lithium-ion battery cell from 24.2kWh to 35.8kWh, the range has been boosted to a much more useful 186 miles (NEDC) or 124 miles based on the more difficult EPA test ─ a real-world increase of 50 per cent so says VW.
Using a wall box charger, the E-Golf can be fully charged in five hours and 20 minutes, which is short enough for charging while at work or overnight. Find a rare 40kWh charger and 80 per cent battery can be replenished in 45 minutes.
In terms of aesthetics, the E-Golf has its own front and rear bumper design as well as C-signature LED daytime running lights, blue signature trim across the front and blue stitching on the leather steering wheel and gear knob gaiter.
Owners of the VW E-Golf can make use of the Car-Net smartphone app, which can be used to remotely control the air-conditioning (who wants to step into a swelteringly hot car?) even with the car locked, as well as control the charging start and stop time and see where you parked.
Then there is the larger 9.2-inch touchscreen display, which provides control of the Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system. Voice and gesture control are in-built, in case you prefer to keep your hands on the wheel.
Buyers can choose to have a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT display where the traditional dials and other instrumentation would be, an upgrade that makes it possible to personalise what is displayed.
The E-Golf also gets what VW calls ‘Guide and Inform Plus’, a service that lets you search for traffic information, fuel prices, weather reports and available parking spaces.
‘Security and Service’, meanwhile is a button that lets you talk to a VW customer service advisor in case you ever have an enquiry about your vehicle or want to book a service. Another button lets you call the emergency services.
As for safety, the VW E-Golf features Front Assist, a safety system that uses radar to detect and warn of an imminent collision. Fail to respond in time and it automatically applies the brakes. Upgrade to City Emergency Braking and it can detect pedestrians.
The VW E-Golf is available can be configured and ordered online right now. Prices start from £32,190, which becomes £27,690 when you factor in the UK government’s plug-in grant of £4,500.
For four E-Golf alternatives, check out our round-up of five electric cars worth buying in 2017. There are some viable options out there now that could just make sense for you.
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