The new VW ID.3 EV

Reviewing the new VW ID.3 EV

One of the best things about electric cars in 2023 is that we are now seeing 1st generation models from the “early years” being improved, revised and facelifted. For the early-adopters in the UK’s EV market, we are grateful for those consumers and businesses for having the foresight and courage to invest into all-electric technology in 2018 / 2019 / 2020, when little was known on how good this form of transport would be (and when public charging infrastructure was still in its early inception).

And VW’s electric Golf replacement, the ID.3, was first shown to the world in 2016 before being pushed into production in 2019 with deliveries taking place around 2020 around Europe (including the UK). As one would expect, the ID3 was fairly popular, amassing some 11,032 registrations in 2021 (it was the 3rd best-selling EV in the UK) followed by becoming the 4th best-selling UK EV with 9,178 registrations in 2022! (see SMMT for more details).

Launching with a Pure battery (45 kWh), Pro battery (58 kWh) and Pro S configuration (77 kWh), VW’s all-electric hatchback filled a necessary hole in the UK’s automotive market, which was historically dominated by SUVs and luxury / prestige options.

Winning awards, like the Which? Best Buy of 2023 , does prove that this is very much the zero-emission Golf equivalent.

But the “future of driving” is not a completed model and the German group have now confirmed a series of external, integral and technological improvements to this popular EV (see VW ID.3). As the “evolution of electric mobility” continues, the brand have confirmed some truly existing updates including: 

•  Exterior - new colours such as Dark Olivine Green, sharper profile at the front together with new tail light clusters and dynamic turn signals plus IQ.Light LED matrix headlights set to be offered. New alloy options including the 19” Wellington and 20” Sanya alloys, a new Exterior Package will allow drivers to add LED matrix headlights with automatic lighting control, LED tail lights, illuminated strip between headlights and tinted rear windows. An Exterior Packages PLUS includes a panoramic roof and sun blind;  
• Interior - increased options on the dash and door trim, together with higher quality finish. Ability to upgrade to the optional electric seats with massage function and high-quality fabric. New panoramic glass roof with “heavenly views” and sunblind; and

•  Technology and safety - 8-colour ambient lighting, Travel Assist with adaptive lane guidance and predictive cruise control, Emergency Assist, Area View with 4 cameras, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Park Assist Plus can all be added to your new ID3. 

Not unlike many other brands, the ID.3 will be utilising over-the-air updates for continual improvements coupled with the We Connect ID app for synergising your vehicle to your mobile device. Many EV customers enjoy the facility to start and stop charging, or warm their vehicle, from the comfort of the app.

So, which of the new ID.3 specifications is the best? And when can I or the business lease one?

The good news is that you can configure your perfect ID.3 option today (March 2023) using the VW website - The VW website has confirmed that the only 3 options you can order will be the Business, Style and Tour, all of which will be deliverable towards the end of 2023 and will benefit from the upgrades on the new version. In terms of options and the price of these options please see below: 

•  Business - from £39,425 this model is ONLY available as a 58 kWh battery configuration and will include key spec like 18” East Derry alloys, Air Care Climatronic air conditioning, Matrix LED headlights, Ambient lighting, Keyless entry and starting, rear tinted glass, heated windscreen, armrests for front seats, Navigation, wireless smartphone, Front Assist, Alarm, heated front seats, rain sensor, electrically foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, rear view camera, parking assistance plus, exterior sound actuator and a charging cable (model 3 / Type 2);        
•  Style - from £42,560  this model is ONLY available as a 58 kWh battery configuration and will include additional specification above the Business like a panoramic glass sunroof, augmented HUD, ergoActive seats, laminated safety glass windshield and ambient lighting with 30-colour options; and
•  Tour - from £47,470 this model is ONLY available as a 77 kWh battery configuration for increased range and faster charging times. There is also a host of additional options like the area view camera, 20” Sanya alloy wheels, ID.Light and Natural voice control, parking assistance PLUS and lane assist / traffic jam assist / emergency assist. The only missing option worth adding is the energy efficient heat pump which is NOT standard. 

How far does the new ID.3 go on a full charge? Does it charge quickly?

The answer depends on which battery option you go for with the choice of two below: 

•  Pro -  the usable 58 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.3 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201hp). And the drivetrain will be RWD. Expect a combined winter range of 180 miles with warmer weather allowing for 250 miles on a full charge. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 6 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 120 kW DC maximum allowing 32 minute 10 – 80% times. This car has a reasonable cargo volume of 385L and a vehicle fuel equivalent of 153 mpg. You cannot tow with the ID.3; and

•    Pro S - the usable 77 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.9 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201hp). And the drivetrain will be RWD. Expect a combined winter range of 235 miles with warmer weather allowing for 325 miles on a full charge. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 170 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. This car has a reasonable cargo volume of 385L and a vehicle fuel equivalent of 147 mpg.

Ready to lease your new VW EV hatchback?

Just head to our  best deals  or call our expert team on 01942 943 210. We offer personal contract hire, business contract hire and salary sacrifice options.