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. The ID.3 has become a top seller in the UK, representing the third generation of Volkswagen vehicles following the Beetle and the Golf.

The ID.3 is designed to be a mass-market car, affordable yet practical. While this size of car is popular in Europe, it may not be as popular 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 refreshed VW ID.3 (2023) doesn't bring major changes, but it does improve the interior quality and finishes. It still offers a good range and faster charging, but it is considered expensive for what it offers. Pros of the ID.3 include its great looks, practical size for city driving, and good battery economy. However, there are few changes from the older model and the interior tech can be a bit fiddly.

The previous version of the ID.3 was launched in 2020 and featured a radical change in design both inside and out. The new ID.3, however, is more of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The exterior changes include sportier details on the nose of the car and the removal of certain badges and decals for a cleaner look.

The interior of the ID.3 has received a quality boost, likely in response to increased competition and rising prices. Soft-touch finishes have been added to increase comfort, but there are still areas with harder plastics. The car offers plenty of space, thanks to the battery being placed in the floor, and the rear seats provide ample knee space for adults. The interior also features ambient lighting and comfortable seats.

The ID.3's infotainment system includes a central display and a smaller driver display. The user interface has been improved, but it still falls short compared to smartphone-based systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system requires a fair amount of clicking around and the smaller driver display can be a bit fiddly to use.

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 according to VW's figures, and the car feels nippy with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. The new model also supports faster charging, up to 170kW, and offers bi-directional charging for potential energy management.

In conclusion, the VW ID.3 is an important car for Volkswagen and the electric vehicle market. It offers a familiar driving experience with improvements in interior quality and charging capabilities. However, the price may be a deterrent for some buyers, especially when compared to similar models like the Cupra Born.

FutureCar Staff