eGolf Introduction Helps Volkwagen Forget Its Woes, For A Little While

If there is one thing true about a major auto show it is this: for a few days, an automaker can forget its problems and immerse itself in great news, often to the point of erasing most of the bad stuff swirling around. A case in point is this week’s L.A. Auto Show.

Volkswagen has already had the chance to use the venue to tout its Golf lineup as the winner of a “10Best” award from Car and Driver. And, it used the same location to show off its A5/S5 2018 update for Audi. Now, the automaker revealed its new and improved eGolf electric which features improved driving range and new technology.

New Lithium-ion Battery

For example, the 2017 eGolf features a new lithium-ion battery whose capacity has been increased by 50 percent from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh. The aim of increasing the power density of the battery was to increase the driving range on a single charge. The SE and SEL models include a standard 7.2 kW onboard charger that enables a full charge in less than six hours at a traditional charging station. A DC Fast Charging option – SE optional, SEL and Premium standard – allows an 80 percent charge within an hour at a fast-charging station.

Also, the electric motor has been upgraded to 134 horsepower, 19 more horsepower than the first electric eGolf. And, the motor’s torque output has been increased to 214 pounds-feet from 199. The power increases mean the eGolf can run from 0 to 60 in 9.6 seconds, more than a-second faster than its predecessor. The eGolf has a top end of 93 mph.

For 2017, the eGolf has received a facelift. Exterior changes include new bumpers, front fenders and LED headlights and taillights. The front bumper integrates C-shaped LED daytime running lights. A blue grille trim strip accents the front end and carries the redesigned headlights. The rear was also restyled with a new bumper and LED taillights that make the styling more complete. Inside, the eGolf features new décor and seat trim.

The eGolf features a sophisticated technology suite that includes Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit. An optional system, the cockpit uses a 12.3-inch color screen to display all the eGolf’s instruments, including a power meter that keeps you up to date on the condition of the charge. The multi-color display features different information profiles that change the type of information displayed and the graphics of areas of the screen. Information can be integrated into driving, navigation and assistance functions.

New Infotainment System

The Discover Pro infotainment system features a newly designed 9.2-inch glass display. The eGolf offers remote access via Volkswagen’s Car-Net app. The app gives you a look at battery charge rates and you can watch the auxiliary air condition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto are standard as is Mirror Link integration.

The 2017 eGolf features enhanced autonomous safety systems. For example, Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking adds pedestrian monitoring. The system warns the driver with an alarm and blinking lights there’s trouble ahead and that the operator should hit the brakes. If the driver waits a tad too long, then the system applies the brakes automatically. This is an especially important feature whether there’s a pedestrian in the road ahead or a broken down vehicle, theGolf stops.

For SEL Premium buyers, customers automatically get:

• The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
• Blind Spot Monitor-Plus
• Lane Assist and Light Assist