Electric vehicle (EV) buyers interested in the VW ID.3, deterred by its high price, now have a cheaper version to choose from. While the five-door hatchback is still unavailable in the US, the eye-catching electric car now starts at £ 28,370 in the UK, which includes a government discount of £ 2,500.

The cost-saving training focuses on a cheaper 45 kW powertrain called Pure Performance. It has 148 horsepower and 310 Nm / 229 lb ft of torque, which delivers a decent 0-100 mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph for both models. VW claims that the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) range for the City trim is 217 miles, while the Style trim provides 215 miles.

For those who want to pay more for a larger battery, the ID.3 is also available with a 58 kWh battery pack and a significantly more expensive 77 kWh option.

VW ID.3 price and release date

The Pure Performance Volkswagen ID.3 is available now at a starting price of £ 28,370 (approx. $ 39,000) and comes in two trim levels: the lower-priced City entry-level model and a design-focused Style Edition, which starts at £ 32,470 around $ 44,700.

The new variants join the Pro, Pro Performance and Pro S models already sold in Great Britain. The front runner is the VW ID.3 Pro S Tour edition, which costs a whopping £ 39,290 (around $ 54,000) but which takes advantage of a 77 kWh battery that offers a range of 336 miles.

Unfortunately, it is not yet known whether the ID.3 will ever make it to the USA. But even if he stays on the other side of the Atlantic, the technology from the VW MEB is likely to be found in other VW EVs for the conditions.

VW ID.3 design

The VW ID.3 is an all-electric five-door family hatchback and has the potential to offer mainstream appeal. Now that it’s cheaper, the car could improve its chances. The design is certainly practical; It’s a bit larger than a VW Golf and looks so it can easily rival close competitors like the Nissan Leaf or the more compact Renault Zoe.

VW produces the ID.3 in six different metallic finishes, all of which have an elegant black roof and trunk lid that offer an interesting contrast.

The dramatic design ethos continues in the VW ID.3, which features a smooth edge that keeps buttons to a minimum. Touch-sensitive controls and the digital dashboard make the VW ID.3 feel like it is ahead of the competition, though less tech-savvy drivers may have a steep learning curve.

VW ID.3 specifications

Despite its cheaper price, the entry-level VW ID.3 City has a pretty good collection of on-board equipment, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and windshield wipers with rain sensors. LED headlights and taillights as well as electric exterior mirrors as well as heated front seats and steering wheel add to the attractiveness.

An automatically dimming rearview mirror contributes to the respectable driving comfort. The safety functions include lane departure warning, front collision warning and pedestrian protection.

Up front there is a 10-inch infotainment screen with voice control and wireless app connectivity, while rear passengers get two USB-C ports. Occupants can also enjoy the 10-color ambient lighting that is part of the more budget-friendly package.

Switch to the other Pure Performance model, the Style Edition, and there are several cosmetic details that add extra curb appeal.

The most striking additions are 18-inch “East Derry” alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and an illuminated strip of light that sits between the headlights and the VW logo. Illuminated door handles, animated LED taillights and tinted windows complete the exterior look.

Inside, the number of ambient lighting has been increased to 30 colors and there is a variable trunk floor for more dynamic storage options. The car also benefits from the “Kessy Advance” keyless entry and two-zone climate control, all of which justify the extra effort, albeit at the expense of a few miles of range.

Charge VW ID.3

UK owners can expect a full charge from a 7.2 kW home charger to take around nine hours. However, if you have access to a 100 kW CCS charge point, a 5% charge will take a little over 30 minutes.

At the more common public 50 kW charging points, the VW ID.3 needs about an hour to go from 10 to 80%.

Outlook VW ID.3

After the huge emissions scandal and the posting of Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess in 2020, VW is facing a difficult battle for credibility.

In addition, VW’s plan to build a range of no fewer than 50 electric cars is already being hampered by production issues, software issues and delivery delays with the ID.3.

Perhaps the lure of cheaper models like the VW ID.3 City and Style models could help improve the balance a bit, although it can replace the lasting appeal of cult models like the Beetle or Golf remains to be seen. Nonetheless, more eclectic cars at a cheaper price point with solid range and performance are certainly welcome and keep us moving towards electrifying the automotive world.