The Volkswagen ID3 is an all-electric hatchback. It’s a zero-emission alternative to the iconic Golf. This compact EV has a sleek design, a comfy cabin, and great range.

For 2023, the ID3 got a new look. It now has a fresh front bumper and bonnet. This makes it even more stylish.

The ID3 can go from 261-347 miles on a single charge. It’s efficient, using 4.1-4.3 miles per kWh. This makes it a smart and green choice for daily drives.

It’s up against other electric cars like the MG4, Renault Megane E-Tech, and Citroen e-C4. But the ID3 stands out with its range and features.

The ID3 is a top pick for families and commuters. It has a long range, fast charging, and a roomy interior. This article will explore its design, performance, battery tech, and owning experience. We’ll see if the ID3 is the best electric hatchback for you.

Overview of the Volkswagen ID3 Electric Revolution

The Volkswagen ID3 is a big step for the German car maker into electric vehicles. It’s the first car in Volkswagen’s ID lineup. The ID3 aims to be the “people’s car” of the electric age, just like the Beetle and Golf were.

The ID3 uses Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform. It comes with two battery sizes. The standard 58kWh “Pro” battery can go up to 264 miles, balancing cost and performance. The larger 77kWh “Pro S” battery goes up to 340 miles, perfect for longer trips.

Charging the ID3 is quick. The Pro model can charge at up to 120kW, while the Pro S can charge at 170kW. This means you can go from 5% to 80% in just 30 minutes, great for long drives.

Battery Size	EV Range (WLTP)	Charging Speed
58kWh (Pro)	Up to 264 miles	Up to 120kW DC
77kWh (Pro S)	Up to 340 miles	Up to 170kW DC

Volkswagen is also committed to sustainability with the ID3. They use recycled and renewable materials in its construction. This makes the ID3 even more eco-friendly.

Car review Volkswagen ID3 Affordable Electric

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2023 refresh has made the Volkswagen ID3 look sleeker and more modern. The front now has a new bumper with fins on both sides. This improves airflow and makes the car more aerodynamic.

The bonnet has also been updated, adding to the car’s streamlined look. The side profile still has the ID3’s signature sleek roofline. The rear features a stylish roof-lip spoiler and slim taillights.

Volkswagen lets you choose from 18-, 19-, or 20-inch alloy wheels. This way, you can make the car’s look your own. The ID3 is compact yet spacious, with dimensions that make it great for daily use.

The ID3’s exterior is both stylish and focused on sustainability and efficiency. It’s an affordable electric car that doesn’t sacrifice style or performance.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The Volkswagen ID3 is an affordable electric hatchback that’s great for city and highway driving. It has a rear-mounted electric motor for punchy acceleration. You can go from 0-60 mph in 5.7 to 8.2 seconds, depending on the model.

It’s not a sporty EV, but the ID3 is quiet and smooth on the highway. It has minimal wind noise. The light steering makes it easy to drive in the city, perfect for daily use.

On twisty roads, the ID3 handles well, but it rolls a bit. This is because it focuses on comfort and efficiency. Its responsive controls and good visibility make it great for different driving styles.

Model	Acceleration 0-60 mph (seconds)	Top Speed (mph)
ID3 GTX	6.0	111
ID3 GTX Performance	5.6	124
ID3 1st Edition	7.3	99

The ID3 GTX models have 282 and 322 horsepower motors. They go from 0-62 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The GTX Performance adds adaptive dampers for better handling.

Battery Technology and Range Capabilities

The Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback comes with two battery options. You can pick a 58kWh (ID.3 Pro) or a bigger 77kWh (ID.3 Pro S) battery. Both are paired with a rear electric motor that makes 201 horsepower.

The ID.3 Pro has a 58kWh battery and can go up to 261 miles on a single charge. The ID.3 Pro S, with its 77kWh battery, can go up to 347 miles. This shows the difference in battery technology and EV range.

Charging Infrastructure

Charging the ID.3 is easy, thanks to its quick charging time. The ID.3 Pro can charge up to 120kW, and the ID.3 Pro S can go up to 170kW. This means a 10-80% charge in about 35 minutes for the Pro and 30 minutes for the Pro S on a DC fast charger.

For easier charging infrastructure, both models can charge at home with an 11kW charger. The 58kWh Pro takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes to fully charge. The 77kWh Pro S takes around 8 hours.

The Volkswagen ID.3 offers up to 347 miles of range and fast charging. It’s a great choice for those who want an affordable, practical electric car for daily use.

Interior Comfort and Technology Features

The 2023 Volkswagen ID3 is an affordable electric car review. It has a refined and comfy interior for both the driver and passengers. The interior features have seen big improvements. Now, the dashboard is spongey, and cloth seats are standard.

Cabin Experience

The ID3’s cabin is spacious and welcoming. It has plenty of knee room for everyone. But, headroom might be a bit tight for taller adults in the back.

The car has a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 5.3-inch driver’s display. This makes technology integration smooth. Soon, a 12.9-inch touchscreen and an augmented reality head-up display will be available.

Storage Solutions

The Volkswagen ID3 Affordable Electric has a big 385-liter boot capacity. This is impressive for its class. The boot has an adjustable floor for easy storage space.

The interior also has large door bins, a central console with cupholders, and a small bin for keys. There’s even a wireless charger for smartphones. The Pro model seats three, while the Pro S offers a more comfortable two-seat setup with extra features.

Feature	Volkswagen ID3	Hyundai Kona Electric	Kia e-Niro	Nissan Leaf
Battery Size	58kWh / 77kWh	65kWh	64kWh	59kWh
Acceleration (0-62 mph)	7.4 sec / 7.9 sec	7.8 sec	7.5 sec	6.9 sec
WLTP Range	266 miles / 347 miles	282 miles	282 miles	329 miles

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Volkswagen ID3 is an affordable electric car. It has different prices and trim levels for various budgets. The starting price is £35,700, and the top model costs £49,360.

For those on a tight budget, the ID3 can be bought on monthly payments starting at £270*. This makes it more affordable than some electric cars. You can also find used ID3 models from £14,256 for even more savings.

The ID3 comes in three trim levels: Pro Essential, Pro Match, and Pro S. The Pro Match is the best value, with features like 18-inch alloy wheels and heated seats. The Pro S has similar features but with 20-inch wheels and a bigger battery option.

Trim Level	Key Features	Price Range
Pro Essential	– 18-inch steel wheels – Keyless start – 58kWh battery	£35,700 – £37,410
Pro Match	– 18-inch alloy wheels – Wireless phone charging – Keyless entry – Dual-zone climate control – Heated front seats	£38,050 – £39,760
Pro S	– 20-inch alloy wheels – Larger 77kWh battery – Similar equipment to Pro Match	£40,050 – £42,760

The Volkswagen ID3 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable electric car. It offers various options to fit different budgets and needs. Whether you want to save money or enjoy the latest tech, the ID3 has something for everyone.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen ID3 is a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. It offers a great mix of features that many people want. Its EV range, performance, and cost of ownership make it a top pick for an electric family car.

While it has some minor downsides, like extra costs for premium features, the ID3’s value is still high. It’s especially good with financing deals. These updates have made the ID3 even better, making it a top choice for those looking for an affordable, yet sustainable car.

Volkswagen is committed to the ID3 and electric cars in general. Their use of the MEB platform shows they’re serious about electric vehicles. The ID3 is a great option for anyone looking for a practical and accessible electric car.