The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf is all-new for the 2015 model year — at least in North America. Along with the redesigned chassis, Volkswagen has added something else new to its classic hatchback. 2015 sees the introduction of a zero emission, fully electric drivetrain in the VW lineup for North America. Autobytel’s Road Test Editor, Benjamin Hunting, got the opportunity to drive the new e-Golf at a preview event for upcoming VW models. On the surface, the new e-Golf looks much like a regular Golf, with the exception of some subtle exterior trim details and an aerodynamic wheel design. The e-Golf is powered by an electric motor and battery pairing that generates just 115 horsepower, but that’s balanced out by the availability of instant torque that helps make this Golf quite fast off the line. On a full charge, the e-Golf can travel about 80 or 90 miles, depending on driving conditions and driving style. Driving in Eco Plus Mode helps squeeze a few more miles of range out of a charge. The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf will go on sale in the United States in early 2015. Like most fully electric cars on the market, availability is initially limited to states with friendly EV regulations and infrastructure.
