After the rigged software scandal involving diesel engines, Volkswagen had to restore its image and regain credibility. The operation to regain notoriety is carried out through electricity, in particular with the ID.3, which appears for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 (IAA). Although it is not the German manufacturer’s first electric car, the ID.3, a C-segment electric compact that is based on the modular MEB platform, carries in its genes the ambition “Volkswagen Way To Zero“. A guideline supposed to lead the manufacturer towards a total reduction of carbon emissions at the exhaust in 2050.
Unfortunately for her, the ID.3 was not born under good auspices: forgotten remote update software (OTA), global Covid crisis and shortage of semiconductors… To these evils, is added a particular design – even divisive – which makes the ID.3 pass for the 2.0 car of Oui-Oui. One thing is certain, we do not go unnoticed with the ID.3: its angular lines at the rear and in profile give it a dynamic silhouette, while the front displays a somewhat jovial personality with an almost smiling face.
Finally, the interior of the ID.3 has been widely criticized for the excessive use of hard plastic on the central and lower parts, despite flawless assemblies. Given the prices, the pill was hard to pass.
Almost three years after its appearance, Volkswagen announces a restyling of the ID.3. The main transformation is at the body level with a redesigned bumper. It is framed by air inlets (Air Curtain) whose role is to improve the flow of air around the front wheels. There is also a new engine cover stripped of its black band located at the base of the windshield. Exit also the black support of the license plate, the stickers on the fenders and the central pillar.
At the rear, few changes, except for the presence of new two-part taillight units, red in color and brighter. Volkswagen specifies that the part of the rear lights “integrated into the body in the boot area now also lights up“.
A revised interior with sustainable materials
The all-plastic cabin of the old ID.3 is gone. Instead, there are durable materials such as leatherette on the steering wheel. The use of recycled materials has been increased: headliner, floor mats, seat covers and door trim (Artvelours Eco microfibre). The dashboard is padded with topstitching to enhance the quality aspect.
The central touch screen sees its diagonal increase from 10 to 12 inches (30.5 cm), the same as that of the ID.4. The infotainment has been revised with, in particular, a simplification in terms of ergonomics. Thus, the part devoted to the load of the vehicle is now displayed at “first level touch screen“.
We regret that the multifunction steering wheel has not adopted real physical keys, instead of keeping its sensitive keys, which are difficult to grasp on a daily basis.
Of course, this second generation of the ID.3 benefits from the remote update function allowing optional functions to be activated on demand such as dual-zone automatic air conditioning or the navigation system. On the other hand, we do not yet know the price of the different functions that will be offered.
The load planner or trip planner can “suggest two short high power charging operations instead of one long low power charging step. In addition, the system detects charging stations that are occupied and does not offer them in the first placeNote that the ID.3 is equipped as standard with the Plug & Charge function, which allows automatic recognition when charging at a compatible public terminal.
In terms of driving aids or ADAS, the ID.3 adopts the famous Travel Assist function as standard, combining adaptive cruise control (ACC) “for longitudinal control of the vehicle from 0 km/h up to the maximum speed” and a Lane Assist for lateral control.
An unchanged engine
On the engine side, the ID.3 retains its 150 kW (204 hp) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, placed on the rear axle. It is powered by a choice of 58 and 77 kWh (useful capacity) battery whose range varies from 426 to 546 km (WLTP cycle). As for the charging speed, it is 120 kW for the Pro version against 170 kW for the Pro S.
Volkswagen mentioned an ID.3 with a small battery whose capacity remains unknown. Either it will be the return of the 45 kWh version, or a battery with new chemistry.
As for the prices, these have not yet been revealed. Currently, the Volkswagen configurator displays the ID.3 Pro Performance First in 58 kWh from €46,750.