On one side the comfortable e-Golf electric, with a 300 km range; on the other the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE, with low emissions despite its sporting character. We test the Volkswagen saloons, an emblem of the mobility of the future.
Electric or plug-in hybrid propulsion? A dilemma that brings to mind epic rivalries such as Coppi versus Bartali, Batman vs. Superman, Italy–Germany at the football World Cup. A virtuous comparison between two interpretations of sustainability and the mobility of the future, one that finds its fullest expression within the Volkswagen range — more precisely within the renewed Golf family, where the battery-powered version, called the e-Golf, is joined by the rechargeable hybrid variant, the GTE.
Both the e-Golf and the GTE are recognisable by the characteristic blue line running across the headlights and grille, the emblem of Volkswagen's electric mobility
They are the most eco-friendly Golfs on the market
The Golf GTE and the e-Golf are two sides of the same coin: two interpretations of what tomorrow's cars will look like. These are not entirely new models — the previous generation of the Wolfsburg mid-size saloon already featured both versions in its line-up — but they are refined and benefit from the upgrades brought by the new generation of the German car. Both priced at €39,250, they are the most eco-friendly Golfs on the market.
The GTE and the e-Golf feature all the latest updates to the Golf range. Upgrades that aesthetically focus on the light clusters, now also available in full LED configuration, the sharper front bumper, and a more aggressive overall line
All the advantages of electric mobility for the e-Golf
The new e-Golf's specifications include a range of 300 kilometres instead of the previous 190, motor power increased from 115 to 136 hp, and a multimedia system that looks to the future. The electric variant of the German mid-sizer can also count on a comprehensive — indeed, exceptionally comprehensive — standard equipment list, a noteworthy ride comfort, and driving dynamics that are anything but dull. These qualities are added to the typical advantages of zero-emission propulsion, namely running costs lower than those of a conventional model, full environmental compatibility, unrestricted access to ZTL restricted traffic zones — such as Milan's Area C — free parking on blue-line bays, and road tax exemption for five years nationwide (lifelong in Lombardy and Piedmont). Furthermore, battery-powered cars benefit from insurance discounts of up to 50 per cent, and maintenance is cheaper than for any car fitted with a combustion engine.
To date, the electric e-Golf accounts for just 1 per cent of Golf range sales, but in 2017 the German manufacturer expects to produce at least 15,000 zero-emission units
The 300-kilometre range "club" keeps growing
It was backed into a corner, but it knew how to react. The new e-Golf, threatened by a proliferation of battery-powered models claiming a range of 300 kilometres, could not avoid matching what is currently considered the threshold for a zero-emission car to be fully usable. The main novelty brought by the new version is indeed the increase in average range per charge from the previous 190 kilometres to the current 300 kilometres on the NEDC cycle, which translates to 200 kilometres under ordinary driving conditions — that is, with the air conditioning on and in any weather. A "competitiveness threshold" that brings the Wolfsburg mid-sizer in line with a rival such as the BMW i3 94 Ah (312 kilometres NEDC), places it one step above the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (270 kilometres), and not too far from the Renault Zoe 41 kWh (403 kilometres) — which, in all fairness, belongs to a lower segment, being a compact derived from the Clio. All this while waiting for the Opel Ampera-e MPV, credited with 500 kilometres NEDC and 380 km in real-world conditions, to reach dealerships.
The 35.8 kWh battery pack fitted to the e-Golf, located partly beneath the front seats and partly under the rear bench, weighs a total of 345 kg
More powerful batteries for the e-Golf
The driving force behind the e-Golf's increased range — available exclusively in five-door body configuration — is the lithium battery pack, which, as before, is "embedded" in the floor but now boasts 35.8 kWh instead of the original 24.2 kWh. This upgrade is accompanied by a touch of extra punch, as the permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor sees its output grow from 115 to 136 hp, while torque rises from 270 to 290 Nm. These changes do not affect energy consumption — a claimed 12.7 kWh — which is in line with the majority of rivals, nor do they compromise the car's practicality, which still offers generous cabin space as before, as well as a luggage capacity of 341 litres with five occupants on board. A figure not too far from the petrol and diesel "sisters," which are credited with 380 litres.
The e-Golf features a new driver assistance function that helps the driver save energy. The predictive driving device uses route data provided by the navigation system (standard equipment), alerting the driver via graphic symbols to, for example, lift off the accelerator when approaching a queue or before taking a bend
Comfort in town and on medium-range journeys
Comfort is the watchword. The e-Golf is one of the most relaxing electric cars to drive on the market. Credit goes in particular to the suspension, which correctly absorbs road imperfections, dealing precisely with potholes and cobblestones alike. The smooth driving experience is further aided by the refined sound insulation — even at motorway speeds no wind noise is perceptible that might disturb conversation between passengers — by the generously power-assisted steering, which is entirely effortless during manoeuvres, and by the extensively adjustable driving position. The only criticism is that brake modulation is merely adequate: the first part of the pedal travel produces a weak response, followed by sharp deceleration. Safety, it goes without saying, is never in question. On this point, to mitigate the phenomenon it is possible to select a fairly low level of regenerative braking on lift-off — four steps are available — so as not to accentuate the transition phases.
According to research by the German Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, around 80 per cent of motorists travel fewer than 50 kilometres a day. Both the e-Golf and the GTE are perfectly suited to this type of use, for which they guarantee zero-emission mobility
Nippy, with several charging options
The e-Golf boasts all the dynamic qualities typical of battery-powered models, namely exceptional responsiveness to accelerator inputs, instant torque delivery and benchmark-setting driving refinement, accompanied by thoroughly respectable performance figures: it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 km/h. And what about charging? Battery recharging times depend on the power source. Using a standard 230 V domestic socket (2.3 kW), 17 hours are required; this drops to 10.5 hours with a 3.6 kW installation and to 4 hours 45 minutes with a 7.2 kW powerwall. Just 45 minutes are needed to restore 80 per cent of the energy, provided you connect to a high-capacity 40 kW charging point.
The e-Golf can count on a genuinely generous standard specification, going so far as to include dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, low-aerodynamic-drag alloy wheels, parking sensors, full-LED light clusters, a CD radio navigation system and a heatable windscreen
Batteries fully charged in 3 hours 45 minutes for the GTE
Don't have 17 hours available to recharge the batteries? Is a real-world range of 200 kilometres not enough for your mobility needs? Don't yet feel ready to give up fossil fuels? The answer to your needs is the Golf GTE, Volkswagen's plug-in hybrid offering. A car that relies on a powertrain capable of covering 50 kilometres in purely electric mode, made up of a 150 hp 1.4 TSI four-cylinder (turbocharged direct petrol injection) paired with a zero-emission unit producing 102 hp, for a combined output of 204 hp and 350 Nm of torque. A propulsion system that works with a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, within whose housing the battery motor is integrated. The battery pack, with a capacity of 8.7 kWh, can be fully recharged in 3 hours 45 minutes using a standard domestic socket, or in 2 hours 15 minutes with a 3.6 kW installation.
With the CCS (Combined Charging System) and a 40 kW charging point, just 45 minutes are enough to recharge 80 per cent of the e-Golf's batteries
No range anxiety for the plug-in hybrid
The faster charging times of plug-in vehicles compared with pure electrics are linked to the use of smaller, less powerful batteries. This is a characteristic inherent to the very nature of this technology, which presents itself as a compromise between conventional propulsion and zero-emission drive. A plug-in car is, after all, nothing more than a hybrid vehicle — one equipped with a powertrain combining two motors (the first internal combustion, the second battery-powered) — capable of covering several tens of kilometres in exclusively electric mode, without the combustion engine being started and without emitting any pollutants whatsoever. A solution that brings with it all the environmental benefits of electric propulsion, especially in urban commuting, but without the issues associated with range and charging.
The Golf GTE's predictive hybrid drive manages the interaction between the combustion and electric motors by taking into account GPS information and route characteristics
Predictive driving strategy for the Golf GTE
The Golf GTE's quick charging time is a practical touch that offsets the car's main shortcoming, namely its limited boot capacity with five occupants on board. The 272 litres offered by the German plug-in hybrid are indeed modest compared with the 380 litres available in standard Golf versions and the 341 litres of the e-Golf. The GTE makes itself "forgiven" through its high technology too, by adopting a novel driving strategy that uses GPS data and route information to predictively optimise the journey ahead, managing the interaction between the electric and petrol motors in favour of energy saving. The system recognises, for example, the approach to a built-up area and automatically switches to zero-emission mode before entering it. A solution that helps to reinforce the GTE's exceptional official figures, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 62.5 km/l (!) and CO2 emissions of 36 g/km, alongside a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h.
The Golf GTE plug-in hybrid's 1,540 kg kerb weight somewhat clips its sporting ambitions — recognisable by its honeycomb grille — making it more of a high-calibre all-rounder, ideally suited to zero-emission urban commuting
Intuitive, stable and economical
The bare numbers do not do justice to the generosity of the Volkswagen plug-in hybrid saloon's power delivery. The contribution of the electric motor, especially in GTE driving mode, lends the powertrain great responsiveness which, aided by the 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox, pulls strongly from low revs and then delivers a noteworthy top-end surge. Intuitive, with immediate feel and stable in every situation, the GTE pairs sustainability with a sporting character. Although characterised by a kerb weight of 1,540 kg — it is no lightweight — it can count, as mentioned, on decidedly low fuel consumption, influenced by the five driving programmes that allow you to range from energy saving to maximum performance, or to opt for purely electric driving.
At the heart of the e-Golf and Golf GTE's hi-tech offering is smartphone integration for both Android and iOS, based on the ever-present Bluetooth as well as the most widely used protocols on the market: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Connectivity at the top of its class
Multimedia and high technology for the sustainable Golf models
If the GTE is hi-tech, the same can be said of the e-Golf, which makes use of a new multimedia system (standard equipment) called Discover Pro, featuring voice and gesture controls, including swipe commands. The key elements of this technology are the 9.2-inch display and integration with both Android and iOS smartphones, along with the ability to wirelessly charge portable devices. The GTE and e-Golf, despite their different characters, belong to the same family. A recently updated family in terms of both styling and content, boasting premium features such as a fully digital instrument cluster featuring a 12.3-inch TFT display derived from Audi, and a renewed touchscreen at the centre of the console — the latter being 8 inches in the GTE's base configuration.
