Starting deliveries from June, the all-electric five-door model is based on the standard Golf but features a 113bhp AC electric motor linked to the front wheels via a single-speed gearbox. The lithium-ion battery is integrated into the Golf’s floor and weighs 318kg.

The e-Golf offers a top speed of 87mph with 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds – a fraction quicker than the Golf BlueMotion with the 108bhp 1.6-litre diesel, the carmaker points out.

Depending on driving style, charge level and ambient conditions, the e-Golf has a range of up to
118 miles. 

The e-Golf can be charged from a household three-pin socket using the cable provided, with a full charge taking 13 hours with a standard UK 230-Volt, 2.3 kW supply. An optional wallbox for home use provides 3.6kW supply and can recharge a flat battery in eight hours. The wallbox is currently available at no cost, through British Gas, while all customers of Volkswagen electric products are also eligible for a green electricity tariff through Ecotricity. Through use of the e-Golf’s standard combined charging system (CCS) and a DC supply, the battery can be fully recharged (at levels of up to 40 kW) to 80% capacity in just 35 minutes.

As well as a standard driving mode, the e-Golf has two economy profiles – “Eco” and “Eco+” – which cut power to increase range. The e-Golf’s range can also be influenced by regenerative braking, with four progressive levels offered.

Just one trim is offered, which his based on the standard Golf SE, with the addition of 2Zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, e-specific alloy wheels and Discover Pro satellite navigation, with an eight-inch colour touchscreen.