The German manufacturer Volkswagen presents the renewed version of its electric car ID.3 with some aesthetic and technological changes on the program, the return of the version equipped with the 58 kWh battery. But other than that, this update is pretty succinct.
After three years of good and loyal service, the Volkswagen ID.3 is getting a small makeover to boost sales. Sales that are not too bad since the ID.3 was sold for approx 600,000 copies worldwide since the start of his careeran early career that, let’s not forget, was complicated to say the least due to numerous issues related to the software.
While we expected the arrival of the MEB Evo platform and a new battery to increase the range to more than 700 km, like the future Volkswagen ID.7, the German manufacturer preferred to adapt its compact electric sparingly.
Return of the 58 kWh battery
In terms of engines, we always find a single engine, placed in the rear, developing a little something 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Top speed is still limited to 160 km/h. So it’s the same engine as it is now.
While the French offering of the ID.3 was quite limited for a while with a single finish and a single battery, the ID.3 offers more choice to customers. The “small” 58 kWh battery makes a comeback and makes the car claim Range of 425 km according to the WLTP cycle in “Pro Performance First” finish and 418km in “Pro Achievement First Exclusive”. The version with the 77 kWh battery is announced with a range of 545km.
In terms of performance, the model with the smaller battery accelerates slightly faster, with 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, while the model with the 77 kWh battery claims 7.9 seconds.
Few technical developments
The Volkswagen ID.3 is still based on a 400 volt architecture. As a result, the charging capacity in direct current is still limited, even though that is quite acceptable for a car in this segment. The charging power in alternating current is 11 kW and increases, in direct current, to 120kW for the 58 kWh battery and 170 kW for those of 77 kWh.
As you can see in the pictures, the restyled Volkswagen ID.3 doesn’t really evolve. It’s hardly when we notice the changes in the shield and grille. The lamps are now Full LED as standard, while a matrix lighting option is also included.
To give itself a slightly more “adult” side, the restyled Volkswagen ID.3 drops its side spires and some elements that could be described as “playful”. The car still measures 4.26 meters, 1.55 meters high and the trunk has a considerable volume of 385 liters. These are approximately the same dimensions as a Volkswagen Golf.
Finally a more opulent living space?
For the interior, Volkswagen says it has taken customer comments into account by using more plush materials, particularly in the door panels and dashboard. On the other hand, in terms of ergonomics, it always seems to be quite complicated, with few physical buttons and, if that is the case, in terms of opening the windows, it is quite difficult to understand .
The materials also change with the emphasis on ecology. For example, the steering wheel is no longer made of leather, but made of a more ecological material, while many recycled materials have also been used inside. We find them in particular on the seats, the floor mats or the headliner.
The facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 puts an emphasis on connectivity with the ability to perform over-the-air updates, ex works, bypassing the workshop. Engineers also worked there to improve the route planning system. This now indicates more accurately in the GPS where and how long you should stop to charge during a long journey.
Volkswagen also integrates the Plug & Charge functionality and it is possible to select only compatible charging stations in the planner. These terminals make it possible to charge without using applications on the phone or payment cards, as Tesla does with its Superchargers. The terminal recognizes the car and then bills the customer directly for the energy consumed.
The ID.3 also takes advantage of bi-directional charging to use battery power to charge small electrical and electronic devices. To conclude with the novelties, the infotainment system also includes new menus, with in particular a shortcut that gives direct access to the functions of battery charging, or even video games to kill time on the charging stations.
As for prices, the Volkswagen ID.3 should start between 44,000 and 45,000 euros. What comes more to compete with the Tesla Model 3, and in particular the Propulsion variant sold for 44,990 euros.
The French prices and the structure of the Volkswagen ID.3 range will be known in a few weeks. The launch of the car is scheduled for June next year. The basic versions may be eligible for the ecological bonus of 5,000 euros.
This is undoubtedly one of the cars that will mark Volkswagen’s entry into a new era and could clearly take precedence over the Golf in the long run. What is this new ID.3 worth? Can she handle the weight…
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