Volkswagen ID.3 review

• For: Spacious, refined, easy to live with
• Against: Muddled controls, less range than you’d hope for
• Verdict: An impressive electric alternative to a Golf

The Volkswagen ID.3 is the ‘electric Golf’. Not that VW actually calls it that, but it’s
impossible to escape the notion that when the long-running Golf is finally laid to rest, the ID.3 will be its replacement.

A five-door hatchback like the Golf, the ID.3 is actually more spacious inside, with a surprising
amount of rear legroom and a decent 385-litre boot. A good start, then.

This is just the sort of EV you’d expect from Volkswagen. Stylish and well-built, it has
the immediate feel of a car that has been well thought out. For those buying an electric car for the first time, there are no stumbling blocks here.

Automatic for the people

The ID.3 combines the familiarity of VW’s petrol and diesel cars with a side order of extra technology. The whole operation is contactless as long as you have the key in your pocket, then it’s a simple twist of the knob by the speedo to select drive or reverse. The handbrake is automatic, too.

Performance is strong, with Golf GTI levels of power for the first models, then less powerful
versions following in 2022. The turning circle is tight, the suspension firm but largely comfortable, and noise levels are remarkably low.

Some argue the desire to keep weight in check means VW has used lighter materials that don’t feel up to Golf standards. It’s true there’s a fair bit of hard plastic on the doors and dashboard, and the seat coverings seem unusual, but you acclimatise quickly.

Say hello to ID

More problematic is the operation of the heating, navigation, media and so on. Mostly
controlled through the display in the centre of the car, it’s fiddly and frustrating to find your way
around, and too easy to make the wrong selection. VW’s new ‘Hello ID’ voice control system is
thankfully a good way of getting around some of these issues.

A new safety innovation is the central airbag, designed to prevent front occupants from colliding
with each other in a side-impact or rollover. The ID.3 gets the full five stars in Euro NCAP safety
tests.

As standard, the ID.3 has a 58kWh battery, with an official WLTP range of 258 miles. We got nearer to 180 miles in the winter, with a mix of town and motorway driving. A longer range 77kWh battery is also available, while the four trim levels are Life, Family, Max and Tour.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2021
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC