The German manufacturer Volkswagen presents the redesigned version of its ID.3 electric car with, in the program, some aesthetic and technological changes, 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 little makeover that should see it increase sales. Sales not too bad as the ID.3 sold for around 600,000 copies worldwide since the start of his careera start to a career that, let’s remember, was complicated to say the least by numerous software-related problems.
While we awaited the arrival of the MEB Evo platform and a new battery to increase autonomy to more than 700 km, like the future Volkswagen ID.7, the German manufacturer preferred to modify its electric compact in moderation.
Return of the 58 kWh battery
As for the engines, we always find a single engine, placed at the rear, which develops the pinch of 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The top speed is still limited to 160 km/h. So it’s the same engine as now.
While the French ID.3 range was quite limited to one finish and one battery for a while, the ID.3 gives customers more choice. The “little” 58 kWh battery returns and allows the car to claim Range of 425 km according to WLTP cycle in “Pro Performance First” finish and 418 km in “Pro Performance First Exclusive”. The version with a 77 kWh battery is advertised with a range of 545 km.
In terms of performance, the model with the smaller battery accelerates a bit more, at 7.3 seconds for 0-100 km/h, 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. Due to this, the charging power is still limited in direct current, although it is quite acceptable for a car in this segment. The charging power in alternating current is 11 kW and amounts, in direct current, to 120 kilowatts for the 58 kWh battery and 170 kilowatts for the 77 kWh.
As you can see in the photos, the restyled Volkswagen ID.3 doesn’t really evolve. Hardly if we notice the changes to the shield and grill. The lights are now Full LED as standard, while an option with matrix lights is also included.
To give itself a slightly more “mature” side, the redesigned Volkswagen ID.3 abandons its sides and some elements that could be described as “playful”. The car is still 4.26 meters tall, 1.55 meters tall and the boot has a decent capacity at 385 litres. These are roughly the same dimensions as a Volkswagen Golf.
An finally more opulent living space?
For the interior, Volkswagen claims to have taken customer feedback into account, using more luxurious materials, particularly on the door panels and dashboard. On the other hand, regarding ergonomics, it always seems quite complicated, with few physical buttons and, when it is the case, regarding the opening of the windows, it is quite difficult to understand.
The materials also change with the emphasis on ecology. Thus, the steering wheel is no longer made of leather, but of a more ecological material, while recycled materials have also multiplied in the interior. We find them in particular on the seats, the mats or the ceiling sky.
The renewed Volkswagen ID.3 emphasizes connectivity with the ability to perform wireless updates, from the factory, without going through the workshop. Engineers also worked to improve the route planning system. This now more accurately indicates on the GPS where and how long to stop to recharge during a long drive.
Volkswagen also integrates Plug & Charge functionality, and it is possible to select only compatible charging stations in the planner. These terminals allow you to recharge without using phone applications 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 benefits from bi-directional charging to use battery power to charge small electrical and electronic devices. To finish with the novelties, the infotainment system also incorporates new menus, in particular a shortcut that allows direct access to the battery recharging functions, or even video games to pass the time at the charging stations.
Regarding the prices, the Volkswagen ID.3 should start between 44,000 and 45,000 euros. What comes to compete a little more with the Tesla Model 3, and specifically the Propulsion variant sold for 44,990 euros.
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 next June. The basic versions will be eligible for the ecological bonus of 5,000 euros.
It is, without a doubt, one of the cars that will mark the entry of Volkswagen into a new era and that, in the long term, could clearly take precedence over the Golf. What is this new ID.3 worth? Can you make the weight…
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