The restyled Volkswagen ID.3 is the electric alternative to the German manufacturer’s illustrious Golf. But can she win your heart (and your money)? We tried it, here’s what we thought.
You either like the Golf or you don’t like it, but its design has become iconic over the years. That of the ID.3 risks not entering the mechanical history books. On the outside, nothing is much different from the first version. We still find the very short nose, which reminds us more of the small Volkswagen up!, an unattractive design, but which has the merit of making it quite compact (4.265 meters long).
A very quality interior
Inside, the German manufacturer chooses simplicity while offering quality materials: foamed plastics, faux leather, soft fabrics on the doors and seats…
The infotainment screen has expanded to 12 inches diagonally. Compared to the previous generation, it has also become more fluid.
On the steering wheel, Volkswagen still offers its capacitive buttons (buttons that you cannot actually press). Too bad, real buttons always offer more clarity to the touch and allow you to make fewer incorrect manipulations when driving.
Head-up display
The digital instrument cluster is nestled in a tiny screen behind the steering wheel. Sufficient, but lacking in features and customization possibilities. Fortunately, it is supplemented by a head-up display which shows the speed, speed limit and driving assistance. It’s simple, but perfectly effective.
The rear passengers are not left behind, the space is correct, but above all just as luxurious as in the front. However, there is only room for two people with the large 77 kWh battery.
Not made for long trips
For the trunk, forget big family road trips, there is only 385 liters of usable volume and the short front hood does not accommodate any “frunk”.
Behind the wheel, the ID.3 proves to be anything but boring and easily surpasses its appearance as a small, innocent city car. The good handling, coupled with pleasant but relatively firm damping, makes it rather fun to drive. The rear drive wheels may also have something to do with it.
In town, the turning circle of 10.2 m ensures good maneuverability during maneuvers.
The driving aids are intuitive and pleasant to use with few jerks, while braking and power recovery are controlled.
What we like:
- The comfort of optional “ergoActive” seats, with massaging function
- Starting without a start-stop button
- The simplicity of the interior
- Standard heated front seats and steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control as standard
What we like less:
- The uninspired exterior design
- Capacitive buttons to control the temperature
- Rolling and air noise at high speed
- No “one pedal” driving mode
- The absence of real levers to control the rear windows
Autonomy
With its large 77 kWh battery, the ID.3 allowed us to travel just over 400 km. With consumption hovering around 18 kWh/100 km. This is a very good performance for a vehicle which does not appear very aerodynamic at first glance.
The ID.3 goes from 10% to 80% in around thirty minutes via charging with a power of 170 kW.
Price
The basic “Pure” version is announced at €37,990 for a 52 kWh battery. The intermediate “Pro Performance” with the 59 kWh battery will cost you €39,990. The long battery life version is priced at €42,990.
With a Tesla Model 3 at €41,970, the base ID.3 is €4,000 cheaper. This is a choice that can be considered if a much shorter length is desired (4.265 meters for the Volkswagen compared to 4.72 meters for the Model 3). The American manufacturer will offer you much more roominess at the front and rear, a larger trunk, a frunk, better efficiency, more power and a much more pleasant exterior.
The ID.3 will allow its driver to benefit from more classic driving ergonomics with controls for the indicators and windshield wipers, a head-up display and a screen behind the steering wheel.
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