Test - Restyled Volkswagen ID.3: optimization requires a serious approach, it's not easy

After a period of two and a half years on the market, the Volkswagen ID.3 benefits from a slight aesthetic update and an update of its internal software. The question then arises as to whether these changes are sufficient to justify higher prices than those of the American benchmark and new Chinese competitors.

When the Volkswagen ID.3 was launched, I was both surprised and disappointed to find a compact car with a rounded monovolume design. I wondered why the German giant had not taken advantage of the immense fame of the Golf to offer a remake of the emblematic 1974 version, with its timeless lines signed Giugiaro. The success of the Mini and the Fiat 500 in recent years, as well as the popularity of the first Golf GTIs, demonstrate the relevance of the neo-retro design that Renault also intends to exploit with its electric R5. Given the modest commercial results of the Volkswagen ID.3 and the entire ID range in general, it might be time to return to traditional values ​​and no longer consider electrics as a separate area intended for a specific clientele. .

Unable to offer a completely new model, Volkswagen is therefore content with a slight remodeling of the hood and shield to optimize aerodynamics. There's nothing particularly exciting about it. However, the brand is trying to brighten things up by offering new colors, including a nice metallic olive green, at an additional cost of €900.

Neat finish

The finish is neat and the multimedia software is improved for better performance. Inside, new foamed materials are used, the central screen is enlarged to 12 inches and the storm doors offer more storage space with a small carpeted anti-slip area. For an extra touch, you can choose the "Style Plus Interior Pack" which includes stitching on the dashboard, faux nubuck applications and electrically adjustable heated seats for an additional €4,790. A more interesting option would be to go directly for the top-of-the-range Style Exclusive finish, which includes these standard seats as well as a glass roof, matrix-beam LED headlights and 19-inch wheels.

Although the presentation of the Volkswagen ID.3 has been slightly improved, the ergonomics of the controls have not changed. It is always necessary to look away from the road and to press buttons several times to lower the rear windows and adjust the air conditioning. The new computer operating system aims to correct the many problems of the first version and to make the screen more responsive. We found that commands responded quite quickly. The navigation system associated with the head-up display also seemed to us very effective during our test. Unfortunately, the route planner still does not allow the battery to be preheated for fast charging on a DC charging station.

Capacity for four people

Boot size remains the same, offering an average load volume of 385/1267 litres, a split-folding rear seat and a ski hatch. However, the double bottom is very small and does not compensate for the absence of a trunk under the front bonnet. Volkswagen even dares to charge 110 € for the removable floor, which is very petty! In the back, there is ample space, comfortable seats and enough storage. However, the storm doors are made of rigid plastic and the central square is quite firm. It is important to note that the version with a large 77 kWh battery is approved for only four passengers so as not to exceed a certain weight. Thus, it will be necessary to make a choice between autonomy and transport capacity.

Pleasant to the touch, easy to handle and offering great comfort

With its compact dimensions (4.24 m long and a short turning circle of 10.2 m), the Volkswagen ID.3 offers pleasant driving in the city. Starting without a key or buttons is very practical, as is the 360° camera which facilitates maneuvers (optional). Brake mode increases engine braking to reduce brake pedal use, but does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. On small roads, the Volkswagen ID.3 shows excellent balance and pleasant handling, although its damping is slightly firm at low speeds but effective. Despite the absence of piloted suspensions (optional) and the large 20-inch rims, our test model absorbs shocks well without excessive body movements. The weight of 1,815 kg is forgotten, except when braking where more pressure is needed. The new software also makes it possible to intervene on the ABS and the ESP, thus reinforcing safety. Despite rear drum brakes, the ID.3 offers a fairly low noise level. However, our test model equipped with "big wheels" had pronounced rolling noises and some wind noise at the level of the windshield pillars from 120 km/h. On the other hand, a Tesla Model 3 does not offer better performance in this regard. The new version of the Volkswagen ID.3 now includes lane change assistance, provided you opt for the Assistance Plus pack (€1,140) which also includes the 360° camera and LED matrix headlights. Active cruise control with lane keeping aid,

A respectable autonomy

The Volkswagen ID.3 is equipped with a 58 kWh battery (Nickel Manganese Cobalt type) and announces a range of 427 km according to WLTP standards. However, in real mixed use, it is more realistic to estimate a range of around 350 km, and on the motorway this can drop to 250 km. These figures are slightly lower than the Tesla Model 3, despite its 280 hp higher power and higher speed. In terms of consumption, expect an average of around 16 kWh/100 km in the city and on the highway, and 21 kWh/100 km on the highway with 20-inch rims.

The charging power of the Volkswagen ID.3 is 120 kW on an ultra-fast DC direct current terminal, which allows the battery to be recharged to 80% in around 35 minutes on a fast track. The 11 kW on-board charger allows the battery to be fully recharged in 5 hours using a Wallbox of the same power. It is also important to note that the new control software now allows two-way charging, with a return power of 10 kW, which makes it possible to connect the car to the house.

It should be mentioned that the type 2 cable is sold at a price of 230 €, and the heat pump costs 1150 €, regardless of the chosen finish.

In anticipation of the sales

Despite a modest launch of its compact, Volkswagen has not really adjusted its prices downwards. Prices start from €42,990 for the entry-level Life Plus finish, then €44,990 for the Style version and €46,990 for the Style Exclusive model. That's just under the €47,000 needed to qualify for a €5,000 bonus, but it's still significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3, which is seen as the benchmark, or the 64kWh MG4, which offers more of equipment. The version of the ID.3 with a 77 kWh battery, starting at €50,000, competes with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which is twice as powerful, offers longer range and has four-wheel drive . However, Volkswagen is counting on its attractive long-term rental offers to sweeten the note. It's still hard to accept.