Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen e-Golf 2014 review

Electric technology takes a familiar shape with new Volkswagen e-Golf

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen e-Golf
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

As an electric car based on an existing model, the Volkswagen e-Golf offers something familiar to zero-emissions buyers. It’s quieter, smoother and, of course, cheaper to run than a conventionally powered Golf, but you have to be willing to sacrifice range and also pay more than for the innovative BMW i3.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If the Golf GTE adds a performance focus to VW’s plug-in hybrid hatch, the new Volkswagen e-Golf brings a touch of familiarity to the world of electric cars.

It’s a welcome arrival in a market kick-started by the Nissan Leaf and then invigorated by BMW’s i3. The e-Golf costs £25,845 after the £5,000 Government grant – so it’s £165 pricier than the i3, but not that much more expensive than a traditional Golf.

This all-electric model gets an auto box and air-con as standard. It’s near-silent in operation, and the ride is as cosseting as you’d expect from a Golf. There are five levels of energy regeneration, and the maximum range is 118 miles. However, that’s only really achievable if you’re using Eco or Eco+ modes – the latter drops power from 113bhp to 94bhp and disables the air-con.

Leave it in Normal mode, though, and the car feels far quicker than its claimed 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds. A full charge takes eight hours from a British Gas-installed charger at your home, but ultimately – like the Leaf and i3 – the e-Golf is only suitable for short trips and predictable journey patterns.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,481
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,083
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025