The 2017 VW e-Golf, a pioneering electric vehicle from Volkswagen, offers a range of technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. Understanding these functionalities is key to maximizing your ownership and enjoyment of this popular EV. This guide delves into some of the commonly discussed features for the 2017 VW e-Golf, providing clarity and insights for owners and enthusiasts alike.
One notable feature is the e-manager, which plays a central role in managing the car’s pre-heating and charging schedules. This system is integrated directly into the vehicle, allowing drivers to conveniently control these functions through the car’s interface. Pre-heating, in particular, is a valuable asset, especially in colder climates. It allows you to warm up the car’s interior before you even step inside, improving comfort and potentially extending battery range by reducing the energy demand for heating once you begin driving. The e-manager simplifies the process of setting timers and preferences, contributing to a more user-friendly EV experience.
The infotainment system in the 2017 VW e-Golf also comes with interesting connectivity features. One such feature is the VW Media Control app. This application is designed to allow passengers to interact with and control the car’s infotainment system using their smartphones or tablets. While potentially useful in certain scenarios, its practical application might be limited for solo drivers or those who primarily control the infotainment themselves. It’s worth noting that the functionality and user experience of such apps can vary, and real-world use may differ from initial expectations.
Another connectivity feature often discussed is the Wi-Fi hotspot capability. In the 2017 VW e-Golf, this feature typically works by leveraging your smartphone’s internet connection. The car’s Discover Pro system can connect to your phone’s personal hotspot, thereby granting internet access to devices connected to the car’s Wi-Fi network. Effectively, the car becomes a central hub for internet sharing. However, it’s important to recognize that this functionality is dependent on your smartphone’s data plan and hotspot capabilities. Furthermore, detailed instructions for setting up and using this feature may not always be readily available in standard infotainment manuals, sometimes leading to confusion about its operation and limitations.
For smartphone integration, Android Auto is a significant feature in the 2017 VW e-Golf. To utilize Android Auto, you’ll need an Android phone with an active data connection. The connection to the car is established via a USB cable. This connection enables you to project apps and functionalities from your phone onto the car’s infotainment screen, providing access to navigation, music, communication, and more. It’s important to note that Android Auto relies on the processing power and data connection of your smartphone. Using a secondary device, such as a tablet, for similar functionality would necessitate that the tablet has its own independent data connection, as Android Auto is primarily designed for smartphone integration. Moreover, the system’s compatibility with simultaneous connections from multiple devices using different protocols like Android Auto and Bluetooth might be limited. For instance, using Android Auto for navigation and media while simultaneously managing phone calls from a separate phone connected via Bluetooth might not be fully supported or could lead to conflicts.
Regarding Volkswagen’s Car-Net services, it’s relevant to note that in some regions, like Canada, Car-Net functionalities were often disabled within the vehicle’s firmware for certain model years, including 2017. This deactivation has implications for using accessories like the CarStick, which was designed to provide internet connectivity to the car through a SIM card. Even if a CarStick could be obtained from regions where Car-Net was active (like Europe), its compatibility with a Canadian-specification 2017 VW e-Golf Discover Pro system would be questionable due to the firmware limitations. Furthermore, a practical constraint exists: the USB port required for the CarStick is also the same port used for Android Auto connectivity. This means that users would likely be unable to utilize both Car-Net via CarStick and Android Auto simultaneously due to the shared USB port dependency.
In conclusion, the 2017 VW e-Golf presents a suite of technological features aimed at enhancing the electric driving experience. From the e-manager for pre-heating and charging to infotainment connectivity options like VW Media Control, hotspot, and Android Auto, owners have access to a range of functionalities. However, understanding the specific implementations, regional variations (like Car-Net availability), and potential limitations of these features is crucial for optimal usage and satisfaction. Prospective and current owners should consult specific regional manuals and resources to fully grasp the capabilities and operation of their 2017 VW e-Golf.
