Reviews of the Volkswagen ID.3

by: Donna Kelly

Donna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.

Volkswagen ID.3 Review 2021

Replacing the e-Golf, the Volkswagen ID.3 is VW's first electric car based on a bespoke electric platform. 

The five-door hatchback offers everything you need in a family vehicle, including desirable looks, impressive practicality and a usable, real-world range. As such, the ID.3 is a popular lease alternative to the Nissan LEAF, Renault Zoe, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro.

Our Volkswagen ID.3 review covers:

• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Volkswagen ID.3 Key Features

• Striking exterior design with contrasting roof and LED lights
• Three different battery packs ranging from 45kWh to 77kWh
• 385-litre boot with 60/40-split rear seats as standard
• Real-world range from 217 to 336 miles  
• Five different trim levels including the Life, Style, Family, Max and Tour

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

Slightly larger than the Volkswagen Golf, the ID.3 ushers in a new design language for the ID sub-brand, the contrasting roof and LED lights helping to give the ID.3 a modern, funky and personable appearance. 

Inside, the ID. 3's short bonnet and pushed out wheels deliver interior space, which is on par with the larger Volkswagen Passat. There's more than enough head and legroom for drivers and passengers, along with plenty of storage cubbies.

Boot space is also impressive at 385 litres with the rear seats raised, making the ID.3 is more than a match for the latest Volkswagen Golf (at 381 litres) and the Ford Focus (at 375 litres). 60/40-split rear seats come as standard, and while they may not be as useful as 40/20/40 seats offered by some of its rivals, a height-adjustable boot floor comes as standard on Family, Max, Style, and Tour trims, giving you somewhere to stow away the charging cables.

Interior and Trims

Inside, the ID.3 boasts a minimalist look with a futuristic feel, although it's a bit too heavy on hard, dull-looking scratchy plastics. A large touchscreen infotainment unit dominates the dash, which, along with a smaller digital instrument display, controls the car's key functions.

The ID.3 is available in five different trim levels, including the Life, Style, Family, Max and Tour. The entry-level Life boasts a generous specification as standard, including a touchscreen navigation infotainment system, comfort pack, and 1-zone Climatronic. The Style trim adds a design pack with tinted windows, LED Matrix headlights, an Assistance Pack including Keyless Advance, a rearview camera, and 18" East Derry alloys.

The mid-spec Family trim will suit most drivers, adding 18" 'Aero' steel wheels, automatic headlight control, 'Air Care Climatronic' 2-zone air conditioning system and a panoramic glass roof into the mix. The top-spec Max and Tour trims add larger wheels and more technology, including an Augmented Reality Head-up Display, a lane-keeping system, and semi-automatic vehicle control in a medical emergency. 

Power and Performance

The ID.3 is available with three different battery packs, named Pure Performance, Pro Performance and Pro S. The smallest 45kWh battery pack, called Pure Performance, is fitted to City and Style trims and delivers 145hp and a claimed range of 217 miles. The mid-spec 'Pro Performance' has a 58kWh battery for 150hp and 263 miles of range. The largest 77kWh battery is called the Pro S and is only available on the flagship Tour model. It delivers 204hp and a claimed 336mile range.  

In terms of ride, the ID.3 does feel a little firm and uptight over bumps but offers good grip levels and accurate steering. While its heavy battery requires a stiff suspension set-up, it offers a more comfortable ride than the bouncy BMW i3 and jittery Nissan LEAF. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Volkswagen ID.3 start from £36,375.00 OTR* or to lease from £440.29 per month.

Thinking of going green for 2021? Leasing the Volkswagen ID.3 offers many benefits over buying, including fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and the option to change your vehicle every two, three or four years. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts will also deliver your car direct to your door, provided your address is situated on the GB mainland (exclusions apply).

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer.