Volkswagen introduced the second iteration of its electric pioneer, the VW ID.3. The old ID.3, which was the first production electric VW, was presented more than two years ago, but its existence hasn’t been simple. Customers who battled with its buggy infotainment system soon started to complain constantly about it. VW wants us to think that the second generation fixes every issue.
First, there are new bumpers, new lights, and new colours on the exterior. New aerodynamic alloy wheels and the Volkswagen ID round it off. 3 begins to appear mature and serious; it is no longer the pioneer but rather the group’s leader.
Upgraded Look
The car looks sportier because of the more dynamic front bumper, longer hood, and removal of the plastic trim that made the previous hood appear short and slender.
The new headlights and taillights are optional matrix LED components that will display welcome and farewell sequences but mostly serve to enhance night-time driving.
Listening to Feedback
The interior is where the major modification occurred, albeit it’s not immediately obvious. The design is the same, but the materials are different; there are much more plush textiles, and there is more cushioning throughout. All previous owners bemoaned how harsh and plasticky the car felt when compared to a Volkswagen Golf.
These issues were taken seriously by the business, and as a result, the ID.3 now has double-stitched cloth covering the dashboard and soft, more supportive door panels. To add some variety, there is also fresh ambient lighting.
VW desperately wants as many distractions as possible inside the vehicle to divert attention away from its infotainment system. due to the fact that nothing has changed. The charging menu, which was previously hidden in a confusing sub-menu, was moved to the main screen, as claimed by VW, and they actually did it.
Volkswagen gladly relocated the charge to the main screen after more than two years of consumers being lost and irritated in the convoluted control system. Once more, VW maintains that the 2 years it needed to complete the modification was due to a radical shift.
The significant modifications stop there, that is all. Although the screens are identical, UK drivers are still only able to purchase the 10-inch centre screen because the 12-inch model is not compatible with right-hand drive vehicles. Without a torch, there is still no safe method to change the temperature or loudness at night. When the ID.3 receives a new infotainment system in 2024, Volkswagen says that this issue will be resolved at some point.
Yet, VW found a way to smuggle in an intriguing update to the infotainment system. A little bit more intelligent, the navigation system can plan itineraries that include numerous pauses for charging and can prioritise fast chargers over slow ones. The deceptive part, though, is the presence of transient menu items, which are paid-for subscription choices that may only be active for a month.
Yep, Volkswagen is covertly joining the subscription club and starting with 30-color ambient lighting as opposed to the typical 10-color arrangement. Dual-zone climate control and smart navigation may be available as subscription items in some regions. Happily, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by the Volkswagen ID.3 right away.
Still the Same Car We Love
The ID.3 is still the vivacious 5-door hatchback we grew to love. It isn’t particularly quick; depending on the market, it either has a 204 horsepower electric motor or a 150 horsepower version. For the time being, the batteries will either be 45 kWh or 77 kWh. Although the top speed is still still 160 km/h (99 mph), a GTX version is planned that will reportedly have up to 299 horsepower output but no all-wheel drive. Oh no, the ID.3 GTX will be an electric hot hatchback with rear-wheel drive.
VW is tackling supply difficulties by combining its current Zwickau and Dresden manufacturing facilities with Wolfsburg. When the automobile officially goes on sale towards the end of spring, this should reduce the wait times. The planned delivery date is a few months down the road, and yes, the prices will probably increase.
The ID.3 will continue to be the best-selling model for a very long time because, despite its flaws, it offers plenty of space, strong range, and is entertaining to drive. Also, the less expensive models are practically affordable. With the improved interior, it is becoming more difficult to reject the ID.3; all it now requires is a functional entertainment system.
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