The usefully updated version of Volkswagen's trend-setting little ID.3 electric hatch is a strong proposition. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

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 car was updated in 2023 and became smarter, with a more up-market cabin, better media connectivity and faster charging. Time to give this EV a second look.

Background

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 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 Experience

Let's cover what you need to know. There are three choices of powertrain for mainstream versions of this revised ID.3. Things kick off with a base 170PS motor energised by a 52kWh battery offering a range of up to 240 miles. Most ID.3 customers choose the mid-level 'Pro' powertrain, which uses a 204PS motor with a 58kWh battery that takes the car up to 265 miles and manages 62mph from rest in 7.3s. The top 'Pro S' powertrain has the same 204PS motor, but mates it to a larger 77kWh battery with a range of up to 346 miles; 62mph takes 7.7s. As before, all models drive the rear wheels through a single-speed auto gearbox. And all mainstream variants have the same limited 99mph top speed. Very different is the flagship 326PS GTX Performance model, which has a single rear motor with 326PS but tuned steering and suspension and sprints to 62mph in just 5.7s en route to 112mph. The GTX has a 369 mile range from its 77kWh battery. In an ID.3, 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.

Design and Build

The exterior changes made as part of the 2023 upodate were subtle, but quite effective. There's a re-profiled front bumper with vertical air ducts. Plus a re-shaped bonnet, based around a completely new pressing that does away with the previous black panel below the windscreen to give the car a more elongated appearance and a sleeker drag coefficient. The tail lamps are different too, with distinctively-illuminating X-shaped daytime running lights and smarter scrolling indicators. Otherwise, things are much as before, which sees this as a slightly larger car than a comparable Golf. And this EV is 60mm taller than a Golf too, thanks to the need for battery installation in the thicker floor. There's a swept-back windscreen (raked to better accommodate the head-up display system). Inside, the mid-life changes are much more evident, highlighted by a larger 12-inch central screen in place of the previous 10-inch monitor. This works with an optional cloud-based speech recognition system, now upgraded to provide faster reaction times, while the optional Head-up display now supports augmented reality functions. The animal-free triming seems quite a bit more up-market - and appropriate for the relatively high prices Volkswagen wants here. Higher-grade plastics feature on the lower part of the dash (not before time), while higher-specified variants get smarter materials for the upper part of the dash too. As before, there are plenty of stowage cubbies and a decently-sized central storage bin resides between the front seats. Due to a 145mm wheelbase increase over a Golf, rear seat room is almost Passat-like, but you don't get a huge boot, though the 385-litre capacity will be sufficient for most.

Market and Model

Volkswagen's goal with the ID.3 was to make the switch to full-EV motoring more affordable for more people - but that's not going to happen until it's quite a bit cheaper than it is right now. Expect pricing to start at around £31,000 for the base 52kWh 'Pure Essential' version, also offered in plusher 'Match' form for just over £32,000. The core 58kWh 204PS 'Pro Essential' version costs from around £36,000. You'll need just under £1,000 more for the same car with plusher 'Match' trim; and the 77kWh 'Pro S Essential' model is priced from around £39,000 (again 'Match' trim is around £1,000 more). The top 326PS GTX Performance version is much pricier - around £46,000. All models get Matrix LED headlamps, keyless entry, diamond-turned alloy wheels of at least 18-inches in size, 'Air Care' 'Climatronic' air conditioning, ambient lighting and a removeable luggage compartment floor. A 12-inch centre-dash infotainment screen is now standard across the range and features a neat 'touch-sensitive bar', using which you can swipe across various screen zones to control both stereo volume and cabin temperature. Volkswagen's latest natural voice control system also features, enabling you to ask the car virtually anything as long as you preface it by "Hello Volkswagen". We'd want to specify the clever head-up display system, which projects augmented-reality navigation arrows, hazard alerts and pedestrian detection messages onto the inside of the windscreen in front of you as you drive. The new model also marks the introduction of option packs, which are available for both trims and group together popular options according to personal preferences. The Exterior Pack, for example, allows new two-part LED tail light clusters on the tailgate instead of reflectors. When it comes to paint and trim design, there's a new colour - 'Dark Olivine Green', an iridescent metallic paint shade that changes appearance depending on ambient lighting conditions: one minute it looks an earthy green, the next it offers a warm golden glow, or a chic grey. The roof with this finish is completely black and the roof trim strip is finished in high-quality matt silver to emphasise the paint colour.

Cost of Ownership

The brand has increased the ID.3's maximum DC rapid-charging rate with the 77kWh 'Pro S' battery from 125kW to 170kW. The 58kWh 'Pro' battery charges at up to 165kW. The base 52kWh battery charges at up to 145kW. As before, Volkswagen reckons that a typical ID.3 user will save about £730 a year in operating expenses over what they'd pay to run a comparable combustion-engined model. It's not only that your energy costs will be lower: you should also make savings in insurance, road tax and the fact that no oil changes are required. Volkswagen says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles. As usual with an EV, around 80% of charging will be done via programmable overnight replenishment using owners' garage wallboxes - bespoke versions of these are available through Volkswagen. With the 58kWh version, a 7.4kW wallbox will charge the car in 9 hours 15 mins (12 hours 15 mins for the 77kWh version). Out and about, in the unlikely event that you find a 100kW rapid charger, around 180 miles-worth of electricity can be taken on board in just 30 minutes. The 58kWh 'Pro' model takes on 5-80% of charge in 35 minutes, while the 77kWh 'Pro S' needs only 30 minutes.

Summary

There are lots of things we like about the Volkswagen ID.3, but its 2023 mid-term update package was certainly much-needed. You'll appreciate the smarter inside finishing and the more sophisticated media systems, plus the charging time is faster and the exterior looks sleeker, though still quietly futuristic. Volkswagen's problem though, is that much the same kind of engineering can be had with arguably more appealing packaging with cousin CUPRA Born and Skoda Enyaq models. If it's the ID.3 that appeals though, you could find yourself liking this updated version much better than you might have done before. As previously, this really does feel like an authentic Volkswagen, with a rear-driven format that even has a few Beetle throw-backs. In half a century's time, there's just a chance that the ID.3 will command a place in automotive history alongside that seminal VW model. In the meantime though, the ID.3 has to sell well. And in this form, there's a much better chance of it doing just that.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Heat insulating windscreen

Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards approx 65% tinted

Automatically front heated washer nozzles

Variable front intermittent wipers

Heated windscreen washer jets

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Traction control with on/off button

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Disc brakes in front

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Communication

Natural voice control

Wireless Smartphone charger

Wireless app connect

E-call

Bluetooth connectivity

Car2X intelligent vehicle networking

E-Sim card for online connectivity

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane assist

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Dynamic road sign display

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Driver Information

Discover pro navigation with 12.9" screen

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened

BLIS (Blind spot information system)

Trip computer

Preparation for navigation system with media and internet package

Driving Mirrors

Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights and reverse activated passenger's door mirror

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Engine

Battery 320 A (49 Ah)

Standard electronic engine sound actuator

Entertainment

2 USB C ports in front, 2 USB charging sockets on the centre console in the rear charging capacity upto 45W

Gaming platform via car app

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Body colour door handles

Exterior Lights

LED 3rd brake lamp

Advanced dynamic light assist for LED matrix headlights

Separate LED daytime running lights which also perform the indicator function

Welcome light

Automatic headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electric auxiliary air heater

Air Care climatronic 2 zone air conditioning

Interior Features

Reach + rake adjustable steering column

Front armrests

Centre console with illuminated storage compartment with sliding cover and two drinks holders

Leather wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel with touch control

Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals

Packs

Styling pack - ID.3

Exterior pack - ID.3

Driver assistance pack with park assist plus - ID.3 Match

Safety

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Single tone horn

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front side airbags

Centre airbag

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Child locks on rear doors

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Seats

Single front passenger seat

Folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Isofix child seat preparation easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat) compatible with I-size

Rear seat bench unsplit, backrest split folding with center armrest

Front headrests

Rear headrests

Security

Remote central locking

Immobiliser

Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection

Anti theft wheel bolts

Transmission

Rear wheel drive

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

120kW DC battery charging

Charging cable mode 3, Type 2: 7.2kW 1-Phase/11kW 3-Phase (32A)

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit + Tyre mobility set (including 12-volt compressor + tyre sealant)

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 390

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 24

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 165

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 63

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 554

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 431

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 431

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 429

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 15.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 344

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 268

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 267

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 268

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 59

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 165

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: E123KK

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Match [Comfort]

Coin Description: Pro

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 26E

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195

Engine Torque - NM: 265

Engine Torque - MKG: 27

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: EAST DERRY

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4264

Width: 1809

Wheelbase: 2770

Height: 1564

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1747

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2280

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 533

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 385

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1267

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.5

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Exterior Body Features

Additional metallic paint

Transport hitch for bicycle carrier preperation

Solid paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Energy efficient heat pump

Interior Features

Variable Luggage compartment

Packs

Sports package Adaptive Chassis Control DCC - ID.3

Top sport pack plus - ID.3

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Costa azule/Solid black roof

Metallic - Scale silver/Solid black roof

Metallic - Kings red/Solid black roof

Metallic - Grenadilla black/Metallic black roof

Metallic - Glacier white/Solid black roof

Metallic - Dark Olivine Green/Solid black roof

Paint - Solid

Solid - Moonstone grey/Solid black roof

Trim - Cloth

Interior comfort pack - Artvelour eco - Dusty grey dark

Top sport pack plus - ArtVelours eco microfleece - Soul black

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 (3-pin) mains charging cable

Wheels - Alloy

19" Wellington black diamond turned surface alloy wheels

20" Sanya black diamond turned surface alloy wheels