Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen e-Golf hatchback review (2014-2020)

“The VW e-Golf blends the famous hatchback’s usual virtues of classy looks, top-quality build and an upmarket image with zero-emissions, all-electric power”

Carbuyer Rating

3.7 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Class-leading build quality
  • Brisker than you’d think
  • Very cheap to run

Cons

  • Limited range
  • Expensive to buy
  • Harsh ride quality

There are two methods of designing an electric car. You can either create something new from the ground up with electric power in mind, like the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Renault ZOE and BMW i3, or you can convert a proven design to electric power. The Volkswagen e-Golf is an example of the latter approach.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As with its Ford Focus Electric rival, the uninitiated will find a Volkswagen e-Golf tricky to tell apart from its conventional petrol and diesel counterparts. For many, this is central to the appeal of cars like this – they don’t outwardly label you as an electric-car driver, yet allow you to enjoy the benefits of zero-emissions motoring in familiar surroundings.

Like other models in the Golf range, the e-Golf received a range of subtle updates in 2018, with new technology inside and a few visual tweaks outside, including Audi-style scrolling indicators. More significantly, though, battery capacity was boosted to 35.8kWh, together with a more powerful electric motor. The VW's claimed range of 186 miles is shorter than the Nissan Leaf's, but an 80% charge is possible from a 50kW fast charger in 45 minutes.

Home charging is a rather longer process, though – even using a standalone 2.3kW charger you'll need to keep the car plugged in for 17 hours, or just under 11 hours with a faster 3.6kW charger. The fastest domestic charging method is a 7.2kW wallbox, which drops the time to less than five and a half hours.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The e-Golf isn't exactly bargain priced, either – at over £28,000 including the government's £4,500 plug-in car grant, it's considerably more expensive than the Nissan Leaf. However, some would say the Golf's classy design, inside and out, make worth the premium. It's also a very easy car to adapt to if you're new to electric motoring – even though the dashboard display shows information like battery life in place of fuel level and engine speed. The rest of the dashboard is the same cleanly styled, high-quality setup as in any other Golf and the passenger accommodation follows a similarly tried-and-trusted layout.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are some exterior differences between the e-Golf and a regular model, but none that alter the Golf’s desirable, low-key identity. It has a blanked-off radiator grille, and different, aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels to increase range, C-shaped daytime running lights and blue trim detailing to distinguish it from its fossil-fuelled brethren. It looks no less classy than any other Golf, while appearing less utilitarian than the Ford Focus Electric.

The e-Golf’s electric motor sits where the regular Golf’s petrol or diesel engine would and develops 134bhp, all of which is available as soon as you press the accelerator pedal. It gives the e-Golf a surprising turn of speed, with 0-62mph being dispatched in just 9.6 seconds – and thanks to its immediate response it feels quicker than that. A top speed of just 87mph sounds rather restrictive, but the e-Golf feels happy on the motorway.

Unfortunately, the e-Golf’s 318kg battery pack has a pronounced effect on how it rides and handles. It loses some of the regular Golf’s cosseting feel and can’t match the cornering sharpness of the Golf GTI. It also loses out on boot space, which is reduced from 380 to 341 litres.

If you’re considering a move to electric motoring, the big question is whether the no-nonsense e-Golf can match the appeal of the similarly priced but more adventurous BMW i3. Those who'd rather stick with a more familiar package, though, will find a lot to like.

The e-Golf is loaded with equipment, is barely any less practical than any other five-door Golf, and should be just as safe in the event of an accident. It stacks up well for small families who make a lot of urban journeys, as well as city-based business users with a keen eye on costs.

See how this car scored on our sister site Driving Electric

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Lexus RZ review – classy and comfortable, but off the pace of some rivals
Lexus RX 300e front quarter
In-depth reviews
11 Nov 2024

Lexus RZ review – classy and comfortable, but off the pace of some rivals

New BYD Sealion 7 EV takes on the Tesla Model Y with 311-mile range
BYD Sealion 7 front quarter
News
11 Nov 2024

New BYD Sealion 7 EV takes on the Tesla Model Y with 311-mile range

Mazda MX-30 review – a fun urban EV with optional range-extender
Mazda MX-30 UK front quarter
In-depth reviews
11 Nov 2024

Mazda MX-30 review – a fun urban EV with optional range-extender

Look out, Tesla – XPeng G6 electric SUV is heading to the UK
XPeng G6 front quarter
News
8 Nov 2024

Look out, Tesla – XPeng G6 electric SUV is heading to the UK

Most Popular

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

BMW M5 review – the most capable M5 ever is now a PHEV
BMW M5 Touring rear quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
5 Nov 2024

BMW M5 review – the most capable M5 ever is now a PHEV

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

More on e-Golf hatchback

Meet the e-Golf’s Biggest Fan
VW e-Golf’
Advertisement Feature
18 Feb 2019

Meet the e-Golf’s Biggest Fan

Running a fleet of 3,000 vehicles shows what works. Zipcar UK's General Manager explains why the e-Golf is such a popular choice
2018 Kia Niro EV to arrive in October
News
2 Oct 2018

2018 Kia Niro EV to arrive in October

Choice of two battery capacities for Kia e-Niro electric car – up to 301-mile range claimed
Volkswagen debuts new infotainment system at CES 2016
News
6 Jan 2016

Volkswagen debuts new infotainment system at CES 2016

Company shows off new touchscreen infotainment system at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
Volkswagen to focus on networking at CES 2016
News
15 Dec 2015

Volkswagen to focus on networking at CES 2016

Volkswagen will unveil a concept focusing on electronic networking and long-distance electro-mobility at CES 2016.
Volkswagen Golf GTE hybrid to cost £28k
News
14 Jan 2015

Volkswagen Golf GTE hybrid to cost £28k

The VW Golf GTE plug-in hybrid is available to order from today, costing £28,000

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024