2017 Volkswagen e-Golf: We’re Driving it This Week
When the latest generation of the Volkswagen Golf was launched in 2014, as a 2015 model, the German brand introduced the fully electric e-Golf to the U.S. market. Sadly, Canadians were denied access to this energetic compact hatchback.
On the other hand, technology progresses rapidly in the growing industry of EVs, and now that Volkswagen improved both the car’s output and driving range, it has been given the green light for sale in Canada.
- Also: 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack: Volkswagen’s Answer to Subaru
- Also: Many improvements for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf’s electric motor now produces 134 horsepower, up from 115, while torque climbs from 199 to 214 pound-feet. The battery pack now has a capacity of 35.8 kWh, up from 24.2.
On a full charge, the e-Golf’s range is estimated at a nice round 200 km. That’s much less than what the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers, but nose-to-nose with the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq and better than the Nissan LEAF, the Kia Soul EV, the Ford Focus Electric and the BMW i3. It’s also a good step up the 2016 e-Golf and its 133-km range.
The electric Golf will receive the design changes that will applied to the conventional, 2018 model-year Golf hatchback and SportWagen, including new bumpers, front fenders and optional LED headlights. The interior also benefits from styling and upholstery revisions.
For our first drive of the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf, The Car Guide will be heading to the island of Mallorca, Spain. We’re anxious to see how the fully electric VW will perform on the sinuous mountain roads of this magnificent and popular holiday destination for Germans and Brits.
Stay tuned later this week for our preview drive of the e-Golf, which will soon be on sale in Canada.