2023 Volkswagen ID.3: A Drive to Remember

author: FutureCar Staff    

Volkswagen's electric revolution began with the ID.3, the company's first fully electric model. The ID.3 has become a top seller in the UK, symbolizing the third generation of Volkswagen vehicles following the Beetle and Golf.

The ID.3 is designed for the mass market, offering an affordable and practical option for consumers. While this size of car is popular in Europe, it may not be as common in North America where larger vehicles are preferred. The ID.3 is built on VW Group's MEB platform and has recently received a mid-life refresh.

The updated VW ID.3 (2023) focuses on improving the interior quality and finishes. Although it offers a good range and faster charging, it is considered expensive for what it offers. Pros of the ID.3 include its great appearance, practical size ideal for city driving, and good battery economy. However, there have been few changes from the previous model and the interior tech can still be a bit fiddly.

The previous version of the ID.3 was released in 2020 and featured a radical design overhaul both inside and out. The new ID.3, however, is a facelift rather than a complete redesign and retains the recognizable aesthetic of its predecessor.

The exterior of the ID.3 has undergone some subtle changes. The nose of the car has been made sportier with improved airflow and cooling. The removal of the black bar under the windscreen gives the front of the car a more vibrant appearance. The model badging and decals have been removed, resulting in cleaner lines overall.

Despite these small changes, the ID.3 maintains its sleek aesthetic and offers a two-tone finish with a black roof. It also introduces a contemporary khaki green color option.

The ID.3 is currently available in two models: Pro and Pro S. The main difference between the models is the battery size, with the Pro S offering a larger capacity. There are plans for a future ID.3 GTX model that will feature all-wheel drive.

VW has focused on improving the interior quality of the ID.3, likely in response to increased competition and the forthcoming launch of the more affordable ID.2. The layout of the car remains largely the same, but there are more soft-touch finishes and stitching to enhance the overall feel. However, the interior still features a lot of hard plastics, particularly in the center console and door panels.

The doors now have softer materials, making the elbow spaces more comfortable. However, glossy plastic inlays in areas prone to fingerprints can be a bit of a drawback. The central display and surrounding areas also feature glossy black plastic, which may require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance.

The ID.3 offers plenty of interior space, thanks to the MEB platform's skateboard design that places the battery in the floor. The rear seats have ample knee space for adults, and there is 385 liters of boot space. The windscreen's rake provides great visibility, and the rear window offers respectable visibility as well.

The ID.3 focuses on sustainable materials rather than leather, resulting in comfortable seats with good support. However, the 77kWh version of the ID.3 only has four seats, while the 58kWh version can accommodate five passengers.

The ID.3's infotainment system features a central display and a smaller driver display. The smaller driver display has a drive selector on the side, which some may find a bit fiddly. The ID.3 offers a heads-up display (HUD) to provide additional information without taking your eyes off the road. However, the HUD may not be visible when wearing polarized sunglasses. The user interface on the main display has been improved but still falls short compared to smartphone-based systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

There are two battery options for the ID.3: 58kWh and 77kWh. The larger battery offers a range of 347 miles according to VW's figures. The ID.3 features a single motor driving the rear wheels, delivering a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. The new model also supports up to 170kW charging, allowing for faster charging times.

The ID.3 provides a pleasant driving experience, with its light and compact design offering better efficiency and range. The suspension is a little stiff but handles well on twisting roads. The ID.3 is particularly suited for urban driving, with the 58kWh option offering a range of 260 miles. The ID.3 also supports bi-directional charging, allowing the car's battery to be used to power other devices or even a campsite.

The VW ID.3 is an important car for Volkswagen, aiming to dominate the segment. While the new model offers some improvements, it may still be considered relatively expensive compared to competitors like the Cupra Born. However, the ID.3's attractive design, comfortable driving experience, and faster charging rate make it an appealing choice for those in the market for an electric vehicle.

FutureCar Staff