2023 Volkswagen ID.3 Unleashed

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【Summary】The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 receives a mid-life refresh, with minor exterior updates and improvements to the interior quality. It continues to offer a practical size and good battery economy, but the interior tech, including the user interface, still has some room for improvement. The ID.3 comes in two models with different battery sizes, offering a range of up to 347 miles. It is a comfortable and efficient car to drive, but its price may be considered high compared to competitors.

FutureCar Staff Aug 20, 2023 6:17 AM PT

Volkswagen's electric revolution began with the ID.3, the company's first purely electric model. It has become a top seller in the UK and represents the third generation of Volkswagen vehicles, following the Beetle and the Golf. The ID.3 is designed to be affordable and practical, catering to the mass market.

The latest version of the VW ID.3, released in 2023, features some minor updates. The interior has been improved, with better finishes and a cleaner design. The range and charging capabilities of the ID.3 have also been enhanced. However, some critics argue that the changes are not significant enough to justify the relatively high price tag.

Externally, the ID.3 has received subtle modifications. The front of the car now has sportier openings for airflow and cooling. The removal of the black bar under the windscreen gives the car a sleeker appearance. The model badging and decals on the rear quarter have been removed, resulting in cleaner lines.

The interior of the ID.3 has seen improvements in quality. Soft-touch finishes have been added, reducing the amount of hard plastic. However, the central console and door panels still feature glossy plastic, which can show fingerprints. The car offers ample space, with a roomy interior and sufficient legroom in the rear. The boot space is decent but not as spacious as some competitors.

The ID.3's infotainment system has been a point of criticism. While VW has made efforts to improve its performance, it still falls short compared to smartphone-based systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user interface can be clunky and requires multiple clicks to navigate. The smaller driver display and drive selector placement behind the steering wheel have also been met with mixed reviews.

When it comes to driving experience, the ID.3 offers a comfortable and nimble ride. The rear-wheel-drive model has a 150kW motor, providing decent acceleration. The larger battery option offers a range of 347 miles, making it suitable for long-distance drives. The ID.3 also supports bi-directional charging, allowing the car's battery to be used as a power source.

In conclusion, the VW ID.3 is an important model for Volkswagen as it aims to dominate the electric vehicle segment. While it may not offer groundbreaking changes from its predecessor, it delivers a pleasant driving experience, improved interior quality, and faster charging capabilities. However, the higher price compared to some competitors may be a deterrent for some buyers.