Volkswagen is reworking its compact electric ID.3, which arrived at mid-career. The opportunity to offer it a more dynamic look and a much more qualitative interior presentation.
After three years of career, it’s already time for the update for the Volkswagen ID.3. The first 100% electric model of Volkswagen’s EV offensive got off to a slow start due to several factors: delays due to software problems, Covid and the war in Ukraine leading to shortages of semiconductors… It was also much criticized on its manufacturing quality, unworthy of a Volkswagen. The manufacturer therefore tries to correct this with the restyling more important than it seems. We met her in the studio in Germany before she was released.
This may be a detail for you…
Outside, the look of the ID.3 evolves in detail. But it does him a lot of good. The look is more dynamic and less monospace-like, with the removal of the inelegant black “bead” under the windscreen. The hood is thus much more sculpted and visually longer. Following the same recipe, the bumper is redesigned at the front with new air intakes at the ends, which replace the small cells before restyling. The ID.3 nevertheless keeps its smile, even if the grid of the shield is slightly shorter. At the front, we also note the arrival of matrix headlights (with standard LEDs) and the modification of the element above the license plate, now in body color instead of black.
At the rear, the evolution is more measured. The light signature has been modified, and the interior part of the light placed on the black tailgate is now illuminated. We also wonder why it was not from the launch! The quarter panel loses its honeycomb sticker, even if it could reappear in another form on the future GTX version. The fine line above the glazing is now chrome-like gray as standard on all versions. Volkswagen also removed the version badge on the front fenders. A desire for simplification that goes with that of a more serious image. We also note the arrival of three new colors: the presentation Dark Olivine Green, a sky blue and a black which replaces the Manganese Gray. On the other hand, the logo is not yet illuminated despite the evolution of legislation in Europe, because the emblem is still too big. This would require revising the size of the VW badge and the shield, which is too expensive for a restyling.
A real evolution on board
The real evolution is actually on board. The interior is much more qualitative thanks to new materials. The ID.3 completely abandons animal leather, even for the steering wheel which was still in leather before the restyling. The appearance and quality of finish take a leap forward thanks to the use of pleasant recycled materials such as Artvelours Eco microfiber (71% recycled material) reminiscent of Alcantara. It is found on the seats and the new door trim, which is much more pleasing to the eye and to the touch. The lower part of the dashboard inherits foamed materials and new double stitching, instead of unrewarding hard plastic. Finally, an ID.3 logo appears between the central air vents.
In the radius of other interior novelties, we note the arrival in series of the 12-inch screen from the Volkswagen ID.5, the high central console with closed storage compartment and cup holders (reserved for the top of the range previously) and a standard double boot floor. The customizable ambient lighting offers 10 standard shades, and up to 30 optional colors thanks to the “Function on demand” system. On the other hand, no switch to physical buttons instead of touch buttons on the steering wheel for the moment, despite Thomas Schäfer’s announcement in October 2022.
New technological equipment, but no difference on the engine side
The update is also technological with the arrival of the new software 3.2. In particular, it provides access to a route planner taking into account charging stations and their power, improved Travel Assist, Park Assist with memory function, a head-up display with augmented reality and even Improved “Hello ID.” voice command.
The mechanics are unchanged: it is a single electric motor placed at the rear of 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm, limited to 160 km/h. The 0 to 100 km / h is shot in 7.3 s for the ID.3 Pro (58 kWh battery) and 7.9 s for the Pro S (77 kWh battery). The autonomy varies between 426 km for the 58 kWh battery and 546 kilometers for the 77 kWh battery. On a fast charging station, the ID.3 Pro accepts a charging power of up to 120 kW to recover from 5 to 80% charge in 35 minutes. The ID.3 Pro S, for its part, accepts up to 170 kW and thus recharges from 5 to 80% in 30 minutes. A smaller battery of around forty kWh is planned, but not before next year (and not necessarily in France). On the other hand, the more powerful GTX version (like the ID.4 and ID.5) is planned by the end of the year on all markets.
Prices and marketing
The production of the ID.3 is still ensured in Germany in Zwickau and Dresden (and in Anting in China for the local market). A third European production line, on the Wolfsburg site (near the brand’s headquarters) will also host the compact thanks to new investments. The opening of orders is scheduled for the beginning of April 2023 in France. The first deliveries will take place in the summer of 2023. For the moment, the prices have not yet been officially revealed. But according to Volkswagen, the entry-level price should be around around €44,000 in France.
Photos : DR.
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