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SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
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SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
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SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
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The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a 2 nd generation electric vehicle from VW. Volkswagen expects much from the electric sibling of VW Golf which is a very famous hatchback. The e-Golf uses a 100 kW A.C. synchronous electric motor producing 134 hp and 214 lb.-ft of torque.
It looks similar to the gasoline-powered Golf except for the front grill which is now almost covered since the e-Golf does not require much airflow. The e-Golf is far behind its rivals in cost and range but manages to stop at 122 ft. which is all due to its lighter body and configuration.
The new Volkswagen e-Golf is a 2 nd generation electric vehicle from VW. Volkswagen expects much from the electric sibling of VW Golf which is a very famous hatchback. The e-Golf uses a 100 kW A.C. synchronous electric motor producing 134 hp and 214 lb.-ft of torque.
The SEL Premium trim is $6,000 costlier than the SE trim which is not fair for a navigation system and some ambient interior lighting. The e-Golf is already $10,000 more than the gasoline-powered Golf. If you want to go for an EV, opt for the SE over SEL which has the same mechanical specifications.
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SEL Premium 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a 2 nd generation electric vehicle from VW. Volkswagen expects much from the electric sibling of VW Golf which is a very famous hatchback. The e-Golf uses a 100 kW A.C. synchronous electric motor producing 134 hp and 214 lb.-ft of torque.
It looks similar to the gasoline-powered Golf except for the front grill which is now almost covered since the e-Golf does not require much airflow. The e-Golf is far behind its rivals in cost and range but manages to stop at 122 ft. which is all due to its lighter body and configuration.
The new Volkswagen e-Golf is a 2 nd generation electric vehicle from VW. Volkswagen expects much from the electric sibling of VW Golf which is a very famous hatchback. The e-Golf uses a 100 kW A.C. synchronous electric motor producing 134 hp and 214 lb.-ft of torque.
There are two trim options for the e-Golf namely SE and SEL ranging from $ 30,495 to $ 36,995. Both trims are similar in mechanical configuration but SEL Premium has first in class LED front lights and interior ambient lighting. The additional features in SEL trim are for $ 6000 which is quite a hefty amount.
Trims |
SE |
SEL Premium |
---|---|---|
Price |
$30,495 |
$36,995 |
Features |
LED taillights |
LED headlights |
Composition Media touchscreen sound system |
Discover touchscreen navigation |
|
Standard rearview camera. |
Interior ambient lighting. |
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The SEL Premium trim is $6,000 costlier than the SE trim which is not fair for a navigation system and some ambient interior lighting. The e-Golf is already $10,000 more than the gasoline-powered Golf. If you want to go for an EV, opt for the SE over SEL which has the same mechanical specifications.
The 2017 VW e-Golf is equipped with a 100-kW synchronous A.C. motor which generates 134 hp and an instant torque of 214 lb.-ft.
It has three modes provided which are normal, eco, and eco+. e-Golf is capable of going 93 mph in normal mode, the Eco and Eco+ modes restrict the performance and the cooling system but help increase the range of the car. The eco mode reduces the top speed to 72 mph and in eco+ mode, the car will only go to the max. 53 mph.
Models |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$30,495 |
$29,990 |
$37,495 |
$33,950 |
Motor Type |
100 kW AC synchronous electric motor |
110kW AC Synchronous Motor |
150kw Electric Motor |
109HP AC Electric Motor |
Transmission |
Single Speed Automatic |
Single Speed Automatic |
Automatic Single Speed |
Single Speed Automatic |
Power |
134 hp |
147 hp |
200hp |
109 hp |
Torque |
214 lb-ft |
236 lb-ft |
266 lb-ft |
210 lb-ft |
The e-Golf is competing with the Nissan Leaf S, Chevy Bolt LT, and the Kia Soul EV. All of them are using a single-speed automatic gearbox. The VW e-Golf SE is almost equal in price to the Nissan Leaf S but is far behind in power output. The Chevy Bolt is using the most powerful motor on the list and produces an enormous 200 horsepower thanks to its 150-kW motor. The Kia Soul EV has the lowest power output amongst all.
The VW e-Golf is not great in terms of acceleration as it only beats the Kia Soul which is less powerful. The VW e-Golf takes 8.5 secs to hit 60 mph from a standstill and 16.5 secs to cover a quarter-mile which is ok for an average electric vehicle.
Models |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.5 sec |
7.5 sec |
6.5 sec |
9.7 sec |
Quarter mile |
16.5 sec |
15.8 sec |
14.9 sec |
17.4 sec |
The e-Golf is behind the Nissan and the Chevy as they are using more powerful motors. Being the fastest car, the Bolt takes only 6.5 seconds to reach 60 MPH and 14.9 seconds for the quarter-mile run.
Like the gasoline-powered Golf, it is fun to drive an e-Golf, thanks to its softer tuned shockers and precise steering. The Shockers are the same as that of the Golf but were tuned for the electric version, also there can be no settings available for the suspension except factory settings which is pretty good in the city. The e-Golf handles so well and it sticks to the ground as the petrol version of this car.
The car does not go above 93 mph, the suspension system manages the handling characteristics extremely well at this speed. It is pretty much easier to take a turn at high speeds with its precise and accurate steering than in Nissan and Chevy which slightly tends to understeer. But the e-Golf rolls more than last year’s model due to its softer suspension but it gives a smooth ride and more comfort.
The VW e-Golf has good braking when compared against its rivals as it stops from 60 MPH in just 122 feet. The e-Golf is doing this with even smaller discs because of the lesser curb weight. e-Golf's 4-mode regenerative braking allows you to recover energy from the wheels while stopping.
Model |
VW e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front(in) |
11.3 |
11.1 |
11.0 |
11.8 |
Brake Rear(in) |
10.7 |
11.5 |
10.0 |
11.1 |
Curb weight(lbs.) |
2455 |
3433 |
3580 |
3289 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
122 |
129 |
132 |
140 |
The Nissan Leaf stops at 129 feet followed by the Chevy bolt under 132 ft. and the last is Kia Soul with a braking distance of 140 ft. In any mode, one can slap the gearshift to the left once, twice, or three times in a user-friendly and intuitive way to access increasing levels of regenerative braking.
In the case of an electric vehicle, fuel economy refers to the battery range i.e. how much distance the car can go after a full battery charge. The VW e-Golf is not the most powerful car on the list but still, the battery range remains a challenge as it goes only 125 miles.
Model |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
eMPG (city) |
126 |
125 |
128 |
124 |
eMPG (Highway) |
111 |
100 |
110 |
93 |
eMPG (Combined) |
119 |
112 |
119 |
108 |
Battery Range (Miles) |
125 |
151 |
238 |
110 |
The Chevrolet Bolt is more powerful and faster than the e-Golf but still has double the range that e-Golf offers. But you have to pay $7,000 more for the Chevy Bolt and this is not much for double battery range. The e-Golf is also behind the Nissan Leaf S.
Talking about comfort, the e-Golf has a softer suspension and an adequate ride height that assures a much comfortable ride against the rivals. For the driver’s comfort and room, e-Golf stays in between the competition and that's enough for a hatchback.
The legroom for back seat passengers is more than the Nissan by 2 inches which is enough. The car has the least headroom for the driver which could be a problem for tall drivers.
Model |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Passenger Volume (ft cube) |
93.5 |
92.4 |
95 |
97.1 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.4/55.9/41.2 |
41.2/54.3/42.1 |
39.7/54.6/41.6 |
39.6/55.5/40.9 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.1/53.9/35.6 |
37.3/52.5/33.5 |
37.9/52.8/36.5 |
39.5/54.7/36.0 |
The Kia Soul EV offers the best head and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. The cabin space is good in the Soul and if you are claustrophobic, Soul EV will impress you with its passenger volume.
The basic SE trim comes with a standard composition media touchscreen sound system. The system is pretty basic and lacks a number of features the navigation is not available for SE trim.
But SEL Premium trim is equipped with Discover Touchscreen Navigation which is very much advanced and includes 3-D navigation. The infotainment system is compatible with most f smartphones. The biggest disappointment is that there is no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay available.
A good car having a decent cargo capacity is like icing on the cake and Volkswagen has built the e-Golf keeping the travel needs of a family in mind. 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf has a cargo volume of 22.8 cubic feet which is pretty good for a hatch.
Model |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo volume with rear seats in use (ft. cube) |
22.8 |
23.6 |
16.9 |
18.8 |
Cargo Volume with rear seats folded (ft. cube) |
52.7 |
30 |
NA |
49.5 |
Though, when the rear seats are in use Nissan Leaf has a bigger boot than the e-Golf but the real picture comes out when you fold the rear seats. The e-Golf outclasses every rival with 52.7 cubic feet of space with rear seats down.
The e-Golf simply looks stunning from the outside with its no-nonsense design. It is the lightest hatchback in the competition. The car is neither the longest nor the widest and surely not the tallest but it has good overall proportions and you will not feel suffocated once you enter inside too.
Model |
Volkswagen e-Golf SE |
Nissan Leaf S |
Chevrolet Bolt LT |
Kia Soul EV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight(lbs) |
2455 |
3433 |
3563 |
3289 |
Length(in) |
168.1 |
176.4 |
164.0 |
163.0 |
Width(in) |
70.8 |
70.5 |
69.5 |
70.9 |
Height(in) |
57.2 |
61.4 |
62.8 |
63.0 |
Ground clearance(in) |
6.9 |
5.9 |
6.0 |
5.9 |
Wheelbase(in) |
103.5 |
106.3 |
102.4 |
101.2 |
Track width(in) F/R |
60.8/59.5 |
60.6/61.2 |
59.1/59.1 |
62.0/62.4 |
The Nissan Leaf S is the longest vehicle in this segment which adds up to its wheelbase. e-Golf has an edge over its rivals with a ground clearance of 6.9-inches.
The Anti-lock Braking System with EBD takes control during hard braking in corners and the automatic emergency braking responds quickly to emergency conditions. For collisions, the car consists of well-engineered crumple zones at front and rear and for passengers, the front seat belts are equipped with pretensioner and load-limiters.
Except for the looks, the new Nissan Leaf S is better than e-Golf in many ways like top speed, acceleration, battery range, price, and most importantly the infotainment system which has Nissan connect with navigation featuring Apple car play and Android auto, which is pretty advanced. If you do not care about looks, you should go for the Nissan.
The new Chevrolet Bolt is the fastest, the quickest, and has almost double the battery range than the e-Golf. Moreover, the Bolt LT is the most stylish electric vehicle on the list.
Coming to safety, it is equipped with 10 air-bags and has a high-strength steel frame, but all this comes with some additional cost. If you can pay more for these features, the Chevrolet Bolt LT is your option.
The new Kia Soul is costlier than the e-Golf, slower, same in passenger room, and is last in looks. If you are willing to buy an electric vehicle having Kia tag then opt for Kia Soul.
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a car that has a lot to offer. It is eco-friendly, fast, and has got looks but the low battery range still remains a challenge for Volkswagen. Some rivals offer better specifications and features than the golf but with e-Golf, you get the Volkswagen reliability. If you are looking to buy an electric vehicle go for none other than the one with a Volkswagen badge.