Volkswagen ID3

Award-winning ID.3 has the pundits purring

Volkswagen’s ID.3 family offers the styling, handling and build quality you’d expect from a VW – but powered by an innovative family of batteries and electric motors that deliver stunning range and performance.

Six of the seven models use the familiar 58 kWh battery and 204 PS motor, while the ID.3 Tour introduces the largest 77 kWh battery, with an increased range of 336 miles (WLTP combined figure).

Next year will see more accessible variants – with lower power outputs and the smallest 45 kWh battery – go on sale.

The ID.3 Pro Performance (58 kWh battery and 204 PS motor) is available in six specification levels: Life, Style, Business, Family, Tech and Max. At the top of the range, meanwhile, the four-seater ID.3 Pro S has the largest battery fitted (77 kWh and 204 PS motor) and comes only in Tour specification. Each of these trim levels comes with a pre-configured specification, built with a variety of option packages designed to suit different customer needs.

All seven ID.3 models feature LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, Car2X, natural voice control, parking sensors front and rear, and wheels no smaller than 18 inches in diameter. In addition they all receive navigation with 10-inch touch screen, keyless start, driver profile selection, climate control, interior alarm and the innovative ID.Light function. ID.3s will also be capable of over-the-air software updates to ensure the vehicles have the latest infotainment and battery software. A free software update introduced last quarter enabled wireless smartphone charging and App Connect in all ID.3s.

The new specification levels are preconfigured with different option packages: there are five in total with each having an additional ‘Plus’ version. These are identified as Design, Infotainment, Comfort, Assistance and Sport.

From the entry Design package the equipment list is impressive, including the intelligent IQ Light LED matrix headlights with welcome function and Dynamic Light Assist,

LED rear lights with animation, interior ambient lighting with 30 colours, an illuminated light strip that runs between the headlights and the Volkswagen roundel, and tinted rear windows. The ‘Plus’ version adds a large panoramic sunroof 130 cm long and over a metre wide. Subsequent steps up the spec ladder bring with them a new level of infotainment options and accessories.

While the specification is fixed on each ID.3 model, customers can choose from six exterior colours, three interior colour combinations, a number of wheel options and a list of extras including a heat pump, as well as various accessories.

Exterior colours offered are: Moonstone Grey, Makena Turquoise Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Stonewashed Blue Metallic, Scale Silver Metallic and Glacier White Metallic. All ID.3s feature a contrasting black roof and bootlid.

Though launched only late last year, the ID.3 has immediately made a big impression, picking up a galaxy of motoring awards.

Among them was the ‘Best Small Hatch’ title at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2021, where the judges praised the ID.3’s numerous attributes, including its “design, space and practicality, its key role in Volkswagen’s goal to bring e-mobility to the masses, and its faithfulness to the idea and design set out by the original I.D. concept of 2016.” Its familiarity and ease of use for those transitioning to electric vehicles was also hailed.

Judging panellist and motoring journalist, Alex Robbins, described the ID.3 as: “A brilliant family hatch in its own right, with a smart interior and plenty of space for a family. Yet it’s also an accessible, easy to use electric car that will surely bring electric motoring to the masses.”

In addition, the ID.3 took home two trophies from the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2021 after it was named ‘Small Electric Car of the Year’ as well as winning the publication’s ‘Safety Award’.

“The larger 77kWh battery bring an increased range of up to 336 miles on the WLTP combined figure”