We review the Volkswagen e-Golf from price to economy and all its features
IT'S a Golf, Jim, but not as we know it. When it comes to electric motoring, VW now has it covered from sci-fi to sensible.
We showed you the spaceship-looking XL1 that can do 313mpg a fortnight ago, now this is the more sedate side of VW's plug-in range. The zero-emission e-Golf takes on the new, electrifying big-hitters BMW i3, Audi A3 e-tron (with which it shares its mechanics) and Nissan Leaf.
The clever bit about the e-Golf is it can be built on the same production line as all other Golfs, including petrol and diesel versions and the forthcoming 2015 hybrid GTE. It means it can up build rate to meet demand without the costs involved.
In saying that, the e-Golf costs £25,845 after the £5,000 Government grant - so it's £165 more expensive than the i3 but not that much pricier than a traditional Golf. It also has less range than the i3.
VW promises it will cost £2 per charge, but the problem is the lack of charging points and small range. Insiders at the firm claim we are not far away from big cities across Europe, including London, being plug-in only zones.
Class act... The eco car really a Golf with a plug
The question is, when that does happen, will this e-Golf be as successful for four decades as its current combustion cousin?
First impressions?
It's really just a Golf but with a plug. The only noticeable differences are the filled-in but cool aerodynamic alloys and the blue trim on the front. There's no futuristic styling but this e-Golf does bring a huge dollop of sanity into the world of plug-ins.
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How does it drive?
Like most all-electric cars, the first thing you notice is the almost silent driving. It's eerie but surprisingly less stressful and the outstanding ride and handling is carried over from the standard models.
This all-electric model gets an automatic gearbox and air-con as standard kit. There are five levels of energy regeneration, which re-charges the battery as you drive, and the maximum range is 118 miles.
The problem is it is only really possible if you're using Eco or Eco+ modes - the latter drops power from 113bhp to 94bhp and also switches off the air-conditioning.
It never feels like it's particularly lacking in power. But back in Normal driving setting, the e-Golf is satisfyingly rapid and feels far more pacy than the official figure of 0-62mph in just over ten seconds.
Living with the e-Golf would mean treating it like an iPhone 5. A full charge using a British Gas-installed home charger takes eight hours - ideal for overnight charging. But with the small range it's only good for familiar trips.
What's it like inside?
Again it's much like the standard Golf. The touchscreen gets a raft of battery-driving aids and graphics but other than that it's typical VW stuff, top-quality and efficient. There's also no compromise of occupant space for batteries, it's the normal hatchback - just quieter and greener.
VERDICT: It's not a game-changer but typical Golf class act
Key Facts
- Price: £25,845
- Power: Electric motor with 113bhp, front-wheel-drive
- Range: 118 miles
- 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
- Top speed: 87mph
- Road tax: £0 (zero emissions)