Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh

Overview

The 2020 Volkswagen e-Golf 35.8 kWh was the swan song for this electric hatch, offering a familiar Golf experience with zero tailpipe emissions. It slotted in as a practical, well-built EV choice, perfect for city jaunts and daily commutes before the ID.3 took over. Its key selling points were its conventional design, premium interior feel for its class, and straightforward electric driving. As a discontinued model, it’s now a tempting used buy, with prices around €11,800 in the European market. It provided a gentle step into EV ownership for many.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, the e-Golf was largely a carry-over model, representing the final year of its production run. The significant upgrade to the 35.8 kWh battery (up from earlier versions) had already happened in 2017, giving it a more usable range. So, the 2020 models benefited from this mature tech and a refined package. Think of it as the polished, final version before Volkswagen's electric revolution truly kicked off with the ID family. Any changes for 2020 would have been very minor, possibly limited to slight trim or equipment adjustments in its last year.

Design & Exterior

The 2020 e-Golf rocks the timeless Golf Mk7.5 design, so it’s handsome and understated, not screaming "I'm electric!" Subtle EV cues include a blue-trimmed grille, unique C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and aerodynamic alloy wheels. It’s for those who prefer their EV to blend in. Dimensions are pure Golf: 4270 mm long, 1799 mm wide (no mirrors), and 1482 mm tall. This final version maintained that classy, familiar look, making it an easy switch for Golf loyalists wanting to go green without going wild on styling.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the e-Golf boasts that classic Volkswagen quality and sensible ergonomics. Materials feel solid, and the cabin is a comfy place to be for its 5 occupants. You get a decent 341 litres of boot space, expanding to a useful 1231 litres with the rear seats tumbled. No frunk here, though! Tech-wise, expect VW’s crisp Discover Media or Pro infotainment system, typically with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Many models also featured the slick Active Info Display digital driver’s screen, giving it a modern touch for its era.

Performance & Driving Experience

The e-Golf zips from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.6 seconds, thanks to its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a single 100 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churning out a handy 290 Nm of instant torque. It feels nippy around town and cruises comfortably up to its 150 km/h top speed. The driving experience is pure Golf: smooth, refined, and reassuringly predictable, just quieter! Regenerative braking is well-integrated, with multiple modes to help you claw back some energy, making one-pedal driving approachable in city traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the e-Golf packs a 32 kWh usable battery (35.8 kWh nominal), delivering a real-world range of around 192 km, according to Green Cars Compare's calculated estimate. It's pretty efficient too, achieving approximately 6 km/kWh. For charging, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in around 4.5-5 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, and you can hit up to 40 kW, getting you from low to 80% in roughly 45 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is strong with the e-Golf, building on the Golf Mk7 platform’s excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It typically came well-equipped with driver aids. Standard kit often included Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection. Many models also featured Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Lane Assist, though some might have been part of optional packs depending on the market. This made it a reassuringly safe choice for families dipping their toes into electric motoring.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the e-Golf came with Volkswagen's standard European vehicle warranty, typically 2 years with unlimited kilometres, though some markets offered longer. The crucial 35.8 kWh battery was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing against excessive degradation (often to retain at least 70% capacity). Maintenance is a doddle compared to petrol Golfs – no oil changes to worry about! Brake wear is also reduced thanks to regenerative braking. Overall, it’s proven to be a reliable electric hatch, benefiting from the robust Golf platform.