2017 Volkswagen e-Golf Overview
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf represents Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility, offering a practical and refined package for everyday commuting. Building on the success of its gasoline-powered Golf sibling, the e-Golf adapts the familiar hatchback formula for an all-electric drivetrain, delivering a quiet, smooth, and efficient driving experience.
Highlights
- Electric Powertrain: The 2017 e-Golf is powered by a 100 kW (134 horsepower) electric motor, providing instant torque for brisk acceleration from a standstill. It sends power to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. The battery pack is a 35.8 kWh lithium-ion unit.
- Safety Features: Volkswagen equipped the 2017 e-Golf with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies designed to protect occupants and assist the driver. These include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting acceleration and braking.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Scans the road ahead for potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes.
- Rear Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- ParkPilot: Provides audible and visual parking assistance to help maneuver into tight spaces.
- Standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a full complement of airbags are also present.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 e-Golf was offered in two distinct trims, each building upon the other to provide increasing levels of comfort and technology.
- e-Golf SE: The entry-level trim provided a solid foundation with essential electric vehicle features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, and heated exterior mirrors.
- e-Golf SEL Premium: This higher trim level elevated the ownership experience with more premium amenities such as a larger 8.0-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with navigation, a premium Fender audio system, keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Regenerative Braking: The e-Golf features multiple levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to recapture energy during deceleration and maximize the vehicle's range.
- Comfortable Ride: Despite its electric nature, the e-Golf maintains the refined and comfortable ride characteristic of the Golf lineup, making it suitable for longer journeys.
- Practical Hatchback Design: The familiar Golf hatchback body style offers excellent cargo space and versatility for its class, making it a practical choice for daily use.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: Both infotainment systems are generally intuitive and easy to operate, providing seamless integration with smartphones.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is generally a straightforward and pleasant experience, especially for those accustomed to modern vehicles. The driving experience is characterized by its quiet operation and smooth acceleration, a hallmark of electric vehicles. Daily commutes will be enhanced by the lack of engine noise and vibration.
Maintenance: Maintenance for an electric vehicle like the e-Golf is typically less involved and less frequent than for a traditional gasoline-powered car. Routine tasks will include tire rotations, cabin air filter replacements, and checking brake fluid. The absence of an internal combustion engine means no oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems, or complex transmission fluids to worry about. Brake pad wear is also often reduced due to regenerative braking. However, it's important to note that the battery pack is a significant component and its lifespan and potential replacement costs should be considered in the long term.
Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2017 e-Golf will vary based on individual factors such as driving record, location, coverage levels, and the specific insurance provider. As an electric vehicle with advanced safety features, it may be rated differently than its gasoline counterparts. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure competitive pricing.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf offers a compelling package, potential buyers should be aware of a few factors:
- Range: The EPA-estimated range of the 2017 e-Golf is approximately 125 miles on a full charge. While sufficient for many daily commutes and errands, this range might be a limitation for drivers who frequently undertake long road trips or have extended driving needs without access to charging infrastructure.
- Charging Speed: The 2017 e-Golf supports Level 1 (standard household outlet), Level 2 (240-volt charger), and DC Fast Charging. While Level 2 charging is common for home charging, the maximum DC fast charging rate is not as high as some more modern EVs, meaning longer charging times on public DC fast chargers compared to newer models.
- Interior Space: While the hatchback design offers good versatility, the rear-seat legroom can be a bit tight for taller adults, especially on longer journeys.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a well-rounded and practical electric hatchback that delivers a refined driving experience, a user-friendly interface, and a suite of valuable safety features. It's an excellent choice for city dwellers and commuters looking for an efficient, quiet, and enjoyable way to get around. While its range might not suit every lifestyle, for those whose driving habits align with its capabilities, the e-Golf offers a solid entry into the world of electric mobility.