Canadian fans of all-electric cars were quick to jump on the 250 limited-edition units of the next-generation 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf made available in the country. VW’s new 100%-electric model made its official debut at the 2017 Montreal Auto Show this past January. 35,995 limited-edition car. Though all 250 units were quickly snapped up, the good news for eco-conscious consumers is that a second batch will be offered this coming fall for the 2018 model-year. With its new 35.8 kWh battery (up from 24.2 kWh previously) fully charged, the Volkswagen e-Golf now has a range of 201 km. The electric motor can generate 134 hp and a near-instantaneous 214 lb-ft of torque. The 7.2 kW on-board charger, offered as standard, allows for fully recharging the battery in about five hours when plugged in to a Level 2 home or public AC charging station. The battery can also be charged to 80% capacity in 30-45 minutes when using a Level 3 DC fast-charging station. To meet the challenges faced by electric vehicles in Canada, particularly in wintertime, the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is equipped with a heated windshield, heated front seats and an auxiliary heat pump. In addition, the e-manager system allows the driver to pre-set a departure time and temperature to heat or cool the interior while the vehicle is connected to an electrical grid. In terms of tech, the App-Connect system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity. Optional add-ons include a digital cockpit, which features all instruments virtually displayed on the 12.3-inch colour screen, and the Discover Pro infotainment system, which includes a 9.2-inch screen with a glass-like design. From that screen occupants can control the menus via gesture-control technology.
The large rear window extends into the D pillars; the tailgate can be automatically opened by an electric motor as an option. Parts of the tail lights were integrated in the tailgate. These inboard segments each exhibit a second tail light as well as the reversing light. The outboard segments house the functions tail light, brake light and indicator lights. Distinctive visual details of the dual tail lights: four elements designed in the form of an "L" (mirror image on right side), which distinctively frame the four pupil-like central elements. This creates an absolutely unmistakable night look. Once again located centrally between the lights is the VW logo. The load sill guard on the Hybrid and V8 TDI Touareg versions is a standard chrome step area on the load sill of the bumper. Worked as narrow strips into the lowermost segment of the bumper that is painted in body colour are the rear fog lights. Only the middle section with the tailpipes of the exhaust system integrated on its left and right ends is treated in black.
While the V6 FSI and V6 TDI Volkswagen Touareg versions have round tailpipes, the two top versions can be recognised by their chrome rectangular pipes. The VW Touareg's kerb weight was reduced by between 203 and 222 kilograms, depending on the version - a result of targeted body modifications, material selection and a lighter weight powertrain. For the first time in this vehicle class, body-related measures include the use of what are referred to as multi-layer insulating materials to insulate against noise. They weigh much less than conventional insulating materials yet are more effective. The kerb weight of the Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSI was reduced to 2,035 kilograms. The turbodiesel versions weigh 2,099 (V6 TDI) and 2,222 kilograms (V8 TDI); the VW Touareg Hybrid comes in at a weight of 2,240 kilograms. The weight of the body-in-white was reduced by five percent to 398 kilograms. The entry-level engine in the petrol area, the optimised V6 FSI, continues to output 206 kW / 280 PS. At 9.9 l/100 km it consumes an incredible 2.5 litres less than the previous version. This combined fuel consumption is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km - 60 g/km less than before.
The smooth six-cylinder unit develops a maximum torque of 360 Newton-metres, which is constantly available between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm and guarantees superior high-torque performance. The power of the 24-valve engine peaks at 6,200 rpm. Compared to the V6 FSI of the previous model, the updated engine is equipped with a new engine controller (MED 17.1.6), which among other things integrates the new thermal management system, Stop-Start system and regenerative braking. Other modifications: The conversion to a new, more precise machining process for the cylinder crankcase, modified piston rings and weight-optimised forged pistons produce lower friction values with immediate fuel consumption reduction. Changes were also made in the air intake system to modify the charge changing process. Another innovation in the area of emissions control: Here two ceramic main catalytic converters near the engine are used instead of the previous pre-converter and main catalytic converter system to assure conformance to the Euro-5 emissions standard.
