CHARGE MASTERED (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volkswagenid3_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

Volkswagen has usefully updated its trend-setting little ID.3 electric hatch. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 61

The ID.3 has changed the way we think about Volkswagen. And about affordable electric cars. But there's been quite a bit for the brand to iron out since this model first arrived on our market in 2020. This updated version is smarter, has a more up-market cabin, better media connectivity and charges faster. Time to give this EV a second look.

Backgroundword count: 198

So far, there have been three eras in Volkswagen's history. The first post-war period of the Beetle. The second modern era, dominated by the company's biggest-selling model, the Golf. And the third EV period, which started back in 2019 with this car, the ID.3, the first of many products from the Wolfsburg maker's new ID all-electric sub-brand. Prior to the ID.3, we'd had all-electric Volkswagens before (the e-Golf and the e-up!) but they'd been based on the underpinnings of ordinary combustion models. The ID range was to be very different, created around a purpose-designed MEB electrified platform and built at a bespoke EV factory in Zwickau near Dresden. By early 2023, over 300,000 ID.3s had been sold, but all hadn't gone to plan. There were software development issues, problems with safety features and issues with screen-sensitive icons. Plus journalists often felt the cabin was finished rather cheaply. All of which has led to Volkswagen rushing forward a package of mid-term updates just three and a half years after the car was originally shown for the first time at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. Is it all enough for this ID.3 to deserve a second look? Let's find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 238

There are no significant dynamic or engineering changes here. Let's cover what you need to know. To start with, there are two choices of powertrain for this revised ID.3, with battery packs rated at 58kWh (for the 'Pro') and 77kWh (for the 'Pro S'), allowing for respective WLTP-rated driving range figures of up to 265 and up to 347 miles. The primary electric motor option offers 204PS and takes the 58kWh version to 62mph in 7.3s (it's 7.7s for the heavier 77kWh variant). Expect a price-leading version with a smaller 45kWh battery and a 150PS electric motor along at some point. As before, all models drive the rear wheels through a single-speed auto gearbox. And all variants have the same limited 99mph top speed. To fire everything up, you hit the starter button, then activate the gear selector, a rocker switch mounted on the steering column that twists in two directions: it's forward for 'drive' and the braking regeneration modes, And you twist back for neutral and reverse. Acceleration has been programmed to be linear and consistent rather than arriving all-in-a-rush. And weight has been kept to reasonable levels (1,670kgs is relatively light for an EV) which helps handling. As is compulsory for EVs, there's a pedestrian warning buzzer which works at under 12mph to warn pavement folk of your approach. The super-tight 10.2-metre turning circle is closer to that of an up! city car than a Golf.

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