e-Golf is an attractive new electric from VW (pictures) – Roadshow

Volkswagen gave its Golf model a major update for the 2015 model year, including a new platform.

The 2015 e-Golf does away with fossil fuels for an electric drivetrain.

The e-Golf comes standard with electricity-saving LED headlights and running lights.

Low rolling resistance tires enhance the car’s efficiency.

The e-Golf only comes as a four-door hatchback.

An 85-kilowatt motor drives the e-Golf’s front wheels, making 199 pound-feet of torque.

A 24.2 kilowatt-hour battery pack sits low in the center of the e-Golf, giving this EV good weight balance.

The battery pack does not impinge on the car’s interior space, allowing the Golf’s full passenger and cargo capacity.

All e-Golfs come in SEL Premium trim, meaning leather-covered front seats.

The rear seats offer typical comfort for an economy hatchback, so may not feel quite worthy of a $35k/£30k car.

The SEL Premium trim comes with navigation system and other amenities as standard.

The steering wheel has buttons controlling the instrument cluster display, stereo and cruise control.

A monochrome display on the instrument cluster shows trip, audio, navigation and phone information.

This drive selector lets you select different levels of braking regeneration for when you lift off the accelerator.

A rear view camera is the only driver assistance feature on the e-Golf.

The voice command system is a bit limited, not offering control over the stereo.

The maps on the navigation system look good, but address entry needs to be streamlined.

The head unit includes traffic information, and uses it to compute routes.

Charging stations are included in the points-of-interest database.

HD radio comes standard on the e-Golf’s stereo.

For devices plugged into the car’s proprietary audio port, the head unit shows a full music library interface.

Volkswagen includes adapter cables for 30-pin and Lightning iOS devices, along with USB devices and drives.