The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf, the electric version of the MQB platform Golf, competes with vehicles like the Fiat 500e and BMW i3. It starts at $33,450 for the Limited trim and $35,450 for the SEL Premium trim, which includes LED headlights, alloy wheels, leatherette seats, and a heat pump. The heat pump is important for efficiency in cold climates as EVs don't generate much waste heat like gasoline engines. The e-Golf is smaller on the outside than a Ford Focus hatchback but offers accommodating back seats, more comfortable than the Focus. Power comes from a 115 HP, 199 lb-ft AC motor connected to a single-speed transaxle driving the front wheels. A 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located between the axles and under the vehicle, not compromising interior space like in the Fiat 500e. The EPA range is about 83 miles, potentially reaching 115 miles depending on driving style, terrain, and weather. Charging is via a 7.2 kW onboard charger, limited by the internal charger's rating. The infotainment system is a brand new head unit with all-new, snappier software and improved voice commands, but lacks voice control for media library and doesn't show charging times on the main screen (only on the instrument cluster). The instrument cluster features a charge and power gauge, indicating available battery power based on temperature and charge level. The e-Golf offers adjustable regenerative braking, unlike the BMW i3's one-pedal driving, allowing for smoother driving. The e-Golf feels much like a regular Golf, with solid steering and suspension handling, surprising for an EV. It handles corners better than the gasoline Golf due to better weight balance from the low-mounted batteries. Despite low rolling resistance tires, it grips well due to its low curb weight of 3100 lbs, only 300 lbs heavier than the BMW i3. While not as sporty as turbo Golfs on winding roads, it's one of the most fun EVs in its segment. Range has been good, averaging around 75 miles without range anxiety. The transition between regen and friction braking is very smooth, one of the best. Overall, the e-Golf is a very fun EV to drive and a good overall vehicle, though the Kia Soul EV offers more practicality, real leather, improved infotainment, and a larger battery pack for a similar price, making the Kia Soul EV the reviewer's top pick in this segment, followed by the e-Golf at number two, and the Ford Focus Electric at number three.
