Back to back - 2015 e-Golf vs 2015 Golf TDI

Kilowatt for kilowatt, there’s no disputing that the e-Golf is the more efficient of these two. But it all comes down to this: With the e-Golf’s most efficient (Eco+) mode cutting you off at 59 mph, and the middle Eco mode trying to keep you to a 72-mph top speed (unless you floor it), the electric Golf’s sweet spot is at city speeds, and not at all on the freeway. Meanwhile, the Golf TDI feels like it’s just hitting its stride at 40 mph -- and we’d venture to say that it’s probably still returning close to its peak mileage at 55 or 60 mph -- making it a great pick for those who must commute longer distances, on the Interstates, tollways, and freeways...or even higher-speed exurb boulevards like what you have in the outer reaches of many U.S. metro areas.

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For those who typically make shorter trips, at city speeds, often in near gridlock, the e-Golf is the one to have. It feels far more mature than zippy small electric cars like the Chevrolet Spark EV and Fiat 500E, has less cabin noise than the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus Electric, and offers a somewhat sportier feel, fundamentally, than the comfortable yet van-like Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive.

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Of course pricing will be also be a big part of whether the e-Golf can fit into the households who might consider it. [...] Starting price for the TDI is $22,815. It’s likely that pricing for the e-Golf will be a lot higher, but federal and state tax credits could bring them to about the same effective price.

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