VW ID.3 receives a refreshing update

author: FutureCar Staff    

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Here we find ourselves in a slightly modified Volkswagen ID.3, version 2.0 of the car that marked the company's significant shift towards electric vehicles. While the original ID.3 may not have been groundbreaking in terms of design, it did play a role in pushing the electric vehicle industry forward. It signaled that one of the world's largest automakers was fully committed to producing a ground-up, pure electric car, alongside a new modular electric drive platform, MEB.

Over the past three years, there have been economic ups and downs (mostly downs), but the immense industrial commitment required to bring the ID family to market could not be halted or diverted. Following the ID.3, Volkswagen introduced the ID.4 and ID.5, with an ID.6 in China and plans for an ID.7 and ID.2 in the future. And let's not forget the impressive ID.Buzz.

In the coming years, Volkswagen will blend the somewhat plain "ID" suffix with their well-established and recognizable nameplates such as Polo, Golf, Passat, and Touran. However, until that day comes, the company continues to offer a two-tier lineup, including electric vehicles, hybrids, and traditional internal combustion engine models. They even still offer diesel models for those who prefer to go against the grain.

The ID.3 was originally intended to replace the Golf, just as the Golf was once the successor to the original Beetle. However, neither strategy fully materialized. Despite the shift towards SUVs, the Golf still sells nearly 300,000 units worldwide each year. In contrast, Volkswagen sold around 73,000 ID.3s in 2022. While it's not difficult to imagine a future with an "ID.Golf," that day has not yet arrived.

So how does the updated ID.3 compare on its own? The improvements are relatively subtle, with minor changes to lighting and styling. The car now features fresh bumpers and a new bonnet treatment that aligns it with upcoming ID models. There is also a focus on using higher-quality and more sustainable interior materials. Built in VW's Zwickau factory on a carbon-neutral production line, the company is clearly committed to ensuring its business model thrives in a net-zero future.

On the road, the ID.3 delivers the refinement and composure characteristic of Volkswagen vehicles. While there may not be a "hot" equivalent to the famous Golf GTI, the electric performance is still present, although not overpowering. Slightly smaller and wider than the equivalent Golf Mk8, the ID.3 can be considered a small car in today's era of oversized private transportation.

Externally, the ID.3 boasts well-proportioned and neatly detailed styling, balancing the sleek aerodynamics with sharp edges, stylish wheels, and black trim sections at the rear. Inside, VW has made improvements to their multimedia interface, which was a weak point in the previous model. While much of the plastic used is sourced from recycled materials, it doesn't necessarily look or feel like it. Perhaps Volkswagen could emphasize its eco-friendly approach more prominently.

The ID.3 truly excels in terms of range, managing to condense the characteristics of larger electric vehicles into a compact package. The base ID.3 Pro offers a range of 266 miles from a 58kWh battery, while the ID.3 Pro S boasts an official range of 347 miles. This range surpasses the tipping point of range anxiety and allows drivers to confidently navigate without constantly worrying about the nearest charging station.

The ID.3 may not revolutionize the automotive industry or achieve the cult status of the Beetle or Golf, but it is the type of car that fits seamlessly into any role without unnecessary fuss or ostentation. Volkswagen's upcoming ID.2 will be even smaller, and considering that cult cars are often smaller in size, perhaps the ID.2 will finally become the true people's electric vehicle.

Source: Wallpaper

FutureCar Staff