2023 Volkswagen ID.3: Behind the Wheel

author: FutureCar Staff    

Volkswagen's electric revolution began with the ID.3, the first purely electric model from the company. It has become a top seller in the UK, following in the footsteps of iconic models like the Beetle and the Golf. The ID.3 is designed to be affordable and practical, catering to the mass market. While it may not be as popular in North America, where bigger cars are preferred, it has received a mid-life refresh on VW Group's MEB platform.

The updated VW ID.3 (2023) brings some improvements to the interior, enhancing the quality of the finishes. It offers a good range and faster charging, making it an attractive choice. However, it is still considered expensive for what it offers. The pros of the ID.3 include its great looks, practical size ideal for city driving, and good battery economy. On the other hand, the cons include minimal changes from the older model and a slightly fiddly interior tech.

The new ID.3 is a facelift rather than a complete redesign. Changes to the exterior include sportier details in the front, improved airflow, and a longer-looking bonnet. The model badging and decals have been removed, resulting in cleaner lines. The sleek aesthetic of the ID.3 is maintained, with some added details like a slight smile in the front bodywork and a two-tone finish with a black roof. Additionally, a new khaki green color option has been introduced.

The interior of the ID.3 has received a quality lift, with a focus on improving the overall feel. Soft-touch finishes have been increased, and stitching has been introduced to reduce the amount of plastic. However, the center console and door panels still feature harder plastics. The doors now have softer materials, providing comfortable elbow spaces. The central display and glossy plastic areas can be prone to fingerprints and require regular cleaning. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ID.3 offers plenty of space, both in the front and rear, with ample boot space.

The ID.3 features VW's distinctive arrangement of the central display and driver display. The smaller driver display has the drive selector on the side, which some may find a bit fiddly. The ID.3 now offers a heads-up display (HUD) to provide additional information without taking your eyes off the road. The user interface on the main display has been improved, but it still falls short compared to smartphone-based systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is still not great to use, although VW has made efforts to enhance its performance through over-the-air updates.

The ID.3 comes with two battery options: a smaller 58kWh battery and a larger 77kWh battery. The larger battery offers a range of 347 miles, with a WLTP (combined) cycle efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh. The ID.3 delivers a nippy driving experience, especially in the 0-30mph range. It now supports up to 170kW charging, allowing for faster charging times. The ID.3 is comfortable to drive, efficient, and well-suited for urban driving, although it also performs well on twisting roads.

The VW ID.3 is an important model for Volkswagen, aiming to dominate the segment of affordable electric cars. While the new model doesn't bring significant changes, it offers an attractive driving experience with its comfortable interior and improved features like the heads-up display. However, the rising price may make it less appealing compared to competitors like the Cupra Born.

FutureCar Staff