THE first electric powered VW Golf in the country has been bought by solicitor Marcus Farrar, from Wilsden.

Mr Farrar, 39, took delivery of his new car, which can travel 118 miles on a full battery, from Skipton Volkswagen at Cross Hills

He said: “Cheaper motoring and environmental responsibility were the two big factors in choosing the e-Golf. I’ve got solar panels at home so on bright days it means no-cost motoring, which is just fantastic.

“I’ve had two Golf GTIs and you can’t feel the difference with this new electric version. Up to 40mph is equally as quick. The power delivery is instant so as soon as you put your foot down you are off.

“I am really happy with it. Being the first owner in the country certainly wasn’t deliberate, but what a coup.”

Marcus, who has an eight-year-old daughter, traded in his VW California Camper Van to buy his new Golf. He has signed up to a service which means he can use charging points in service stations up and down the country, with some super-fast sockets delivering an 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes.

Dino Reardon,Skipton Volkswagen sales executive , said; “Marcus came in with a clear idea of what he wanted so we were delighted to have one of the brand new e-Golfs sent over from Leeds for him.

“Marcus knew all about the tax advantages and the fuel savings available from converting to electric.

“I was perhaps a bit sceptical about electric cars at first, but I’ve become a convert as this is a brilliant car. I’m sure we’ll be selling more and more as they become more popular.”