Volkswagen is expanding its range of Golf Mk7 models with a new pure electric version named the Golf-e, seen in these pictures for the first time ahead of a world premiere at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show on March 5.
The German brand hasn't officially released details yet, but Spanish newspaper El Mundo has more than enough information to cure your curiosity.
On the outside, the only telltale signs that this Golf VII is battery-powered are the covered upper and the reshaped lower grilles, along with the mildly modified head- and tail-lamps, while inside, VW replaced the tachometer and the two smaller gauges in the instrument panel with new meters providing relevant information. The LCD screen of the infotainment system was also updated accordingly.
The newspaper says the Golf-e is fitted with an electric motor producing an output of 115hp and an instant torque figure of 270Nm (199 lb-ft), good enough to accelerate the front-wheel drive model to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 135km/h (84mph), in order to conserve energy.
Electric juice comes from a 26.5 kWh lithium ion battery positioned under the rear seats. The report says it does not eat away any boot space, which remains the same as the regular Golf hatchback. What it does do along with the electric motor is add 205kg or 452 pounds over the equivalent internal combustion engine model.
The battery can be charged in 20 minutes using the quick charging system with a three-phase current, or in five hours using a household wall socket, in which case, it offers a driving range of up to 175 kilometers or 109 miles, depending on the driving style and road conditions.