VW ID.3 - Is Volkswagen's once flawed EV now a fabulous EV?

When Volkswagen first launched the ID.3, the third pillar in their "People's Car" heritage, it was good, if not quite good enough. Cabin quality and software issues blighted what should have been an absolute dead certain winner in the family EV stakes, and whilst it sold relatively well, the tales of shoddy build and continuously failing infotainment systems hit home. With reputation still being rebuilt after their infamous "Dieselgate" scandal, Volkswagen couldn't take any chances, so here we are, four years later with a thoroughly revised car. But have they done enough? Bryan subjects the new '24MY car to the AutoEV Road Test Review to find out.
AutoEV - all electric, all independent.
0:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Titles
01:06 - Meet the car
03:56 - Styling
09:08 - Practicality
12:33 - Interior
21:47 - Usability
23:03 - Performance & Handling
29:50 - Pricing
31:12 - Competition
32:58 - Pros & Cons
33:38 - Summary
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Website: autoev.co.uk

[@brianpuplett3279]

I’ve had my ID3 for 18 months, the software has been upgraded and is very acceptable. I’ve not found a problem with the window controls at all and you hate the slide touch sensitive controls but if you tell the cars voice control to reduce or increase the temp…it just does it, as is the case with the heated seats and steering wheel. You also criticise the light control panel but you seldom touch it as the lights come on automatically. The matrix headlights are fabulous but you don’t mention them. There’s also more storage under the boot which you don’t mention. The binnacle and screen are adequate but a modern wrap round would be better. It’s a really good car though and I for one would never go back to ice.

[@JunkerOnDrums]

I have an ID.3, and I'm very satisfied with the car.

[@pauladams5673]

It is both amusing and annoying that everyone is an automotive expert, these days. A car can be condemned because motoring journalists don't like the infotainment software. Nobody is talking about the durability over four years, crash protection, engineering priorities, environmentalimpact. I own and run an ID.3 and I don't have an issue with the infotainment system, in fact it works brilliantly (my car came with v3.0). We have to ask ourselves why we need expensive materials in a cabin when its much more important to have surfaces that can be easily wiped down and more importantly be recycled efficiently at end of car life. Yes, you can buy cheaper alternatives but they won't be looking so good in four years time, so the residual value will be much less. 90% of new cars are bought on P.C.P. or lease so its the depreciation value we should be looking at, not the purchase price. In the real world, it really doesn't matter if one car gets to 100 km/hr 0.5 seconds sooner than another.

[@AutoEV]

Now you do raise a good point with regards to the environmental impact of a car, and it’s ability to be recycled at end of life. This is something that VW have invested literally billions into and they were the only car manufacturer to sign up to the Paris agreement 4 years ago. So that is a very valid point you make there. It’s a message Polestar are very keen to get across, and a reason I was a little disappointed with the new Smart #1 as there isn’t such a big sustainability message with such a (fare I say it?) “trendy” new car from a brand like them. But good point well made sir.

[@hkad6252]

Thank you, this comment really sums it up well.

[@colinrenfrew48]

The revisions don’t go far enough. Prices remain too high, and the competition is growing. When the EX30 arrives, the ID3 is toast. Roll on the ID2

[@AdrianNelson1507]

The ID2 is looking much more like a vw interior-wise!

[@colinrenfrew48]

@@AdrianNelson1507 Agree 100%

[@bardz0sz]

​@@AdrianNelson1507hope the production model keeps that

[@AdrianNelson1507]

@@bardz0sz plenty of accountants between here and production model 🙄

[@nicolasdepaye4672]

Intérior space and autonomy is not bigger with the EX30

[@garywright4233]

We've had our id.3 now for two years and we are really pleased with it. Our lease is up in twelve months and would order another one without any worries. Enjoy every time i get behind the wheel. A great all rounder.

[@benpatana7664]

They needed to address the haptic touch buttons and HVAC slider controls. This was the major criticism of the original. But no, they haven't. Why does VW not listen?

[@Jacob-id7xm]

This is just a facelift, not fixing every problem until a new gen of id3. They’ve promised real buttons but dunno about the hvac slide thingy

[@louishiggins8881]

In use, the controls are not really an issue, but would prefer real buttons and knobs (they weren't broken, so why fix them). The sliders at night ARE pants !!!

[@hometechUK]

The steering wheel physical buttons have been announced but that is not coming till sometimes in 2024?? The new boss wanted This just to rush this mild update out as soon as possible.

[@newarknomad1154]

VW seem to be doing a balancing act with the ID3,doing enough to tempt new buyers, and not detract from other products they make.If you now consider the considerable competition, they are loosing out, especially as a value proposition. I think the ID3 is better now than it was, but there are better alternatives for the money. Thanks for the content,very helpful as usual.

[@robertdurn2320]

I've had my ID.3 for nine months now and don't have a problem with the slide and haptic buttons. If you have come from the world of a iPod or iPhone it's easy. The drive quality is excellent.

[@ohyesitsme]

I'll struggle then as I come from the world of Android and Tablets 😁

[@gigglybeast]

iPod? Ok, Paw Paw.

[@Lewis_Standing]

​@@ohyesitsmenah real buttons is like having a blackberry

[@Damo699]

100% agree. The criticism is way over the top. After a short while (longer than a car review obviously) you totally are accustomed to the new way of doing things.

[@thiagolima5232]

I also think they are wonderful

[@hkad6252]

I have an ID3 and love it to bits. The criticism about the steering wheel buttons is just from ‚journalists‘

[@AutoEV]

I would respectfully disagree with that. Volkswagen have vowed to return to having physical buttons in the cars again due to customer feedback. It’s important that a manufacturer listens to customers who drive their cars and potentially admit when something hasn’t worked out. I think VW have to be commended for that approach.

[@hughtippett9565]

I have had an ID.3 for 2 years and have done some serious trips 500 miles + in it. The 58kw battery gives good real world range and the 204ps motor gives really good performance and no torque steering as rear wheel drive: the ride is comfortable and the handling better than you might expect. The software is much improved since we got it but the app is poor. Interior quality is good: The fit and finish are excellent albeit the plastics are hard. The rear window controls are not a problem; how often do you as a driver need to lower a rear window? In my other cars with 4 window controls there is a 50% chance I will lower the rear window even when I don’t mean to! Non illuminated sliders; Not the issue you might think. After 2 years I can use without looking. In any event you can control the volume from the steering wheel (illuminated) and the car has climate control, so how often do you actually need to fiddle with the controls? So not perfect but …

[@gavkenny]

The infotainment system and stupid haptic buttons was the reason I didn't go for the ID3 last year and it looks like its still and issue. The car drove well, it was just the human interface would have driven me mad.

[@ouethojlkjn]

I am just wondering if they didn’t bother fixing this on the UK 10 in screen, but have addressed it on the European one?

[@Petelmrg]

We had an early one which was glitchy and were tempted into an MG4 and a big wodge of cash when the prices went mad last year. I really couldn't get on with MG - which was just as glitchy if the truth be known - mostly because of its depressing black, black interior with no glass roof and low-rent feel. I hear that finance deals might make the price not sound so crazy compared to the MG now.

[@AutoEV]

Well, guess what arrives with me tomorrow for a proper drive? Another road test review in Scotland in a couple of weeks. I’ll expect you to be watching!

[@The-Salty-Bager]

I agree I really don’t like the MG4 and also find it gloomy and very dark inside plus offer issues

[@ohyesitsme]

@@AutoEV How about doing some real world testing such as range at differnt speeds, say 40 MPH and again at 70 MPH (taking weather conditions into consideration) Charging performance to see when it throttles down and peak KW and charging time from say 10 to 80%. We don't appear to get this from any UK reviewers so maybe you can start a new trend.

[@AutoEV]

@@ohyesitsme this would be ideal, but unfortunately time can be against us. It’s not always possible to do all these tests for every car. And if we don’t do it for them all, is it biased? I did get asked why we don’t state what we achieve as a kW/m figure and the answer is simply we don’t test every car the same. Some we do long journeys in, others we do shorter, but more frequent journeys in. There are so many variables to consider.

[@ohyesitsme]

@@AutoEV You are an EV reviewer so you owe it to your subscribers to find the real world performances of these cars rather than just quote the manufacturers figures. Suggest you look at some of teslabjorn's (Bjorn Nyland) and see the effort he puts in to his EV reviews. As I stated there doesn't appear to be a UK reviwer that does this and all we get is a subjective video. If we are interested in a particular car we can go and view it at a dealer and test drive but we need reviews that gives more real world information that we can't get under normal circumstances. I'm sure if one man can do it's not beyond the ken of UK reviewers.

[@jonwragg3822]

So really on conclusion they have made a few cosmetic changes but little else. I have an ID3 max. It doesn’t have the decals on the rear quarter panel, it has alloy wheels (now standard), it has electrically adjustable seats (your test car didn’t), massage seat, heads up display. All options not mentioned. OK, the interior trim is better. I pointed this out to VW at the fully charged show in 2022 after seeing the ID5 which has a much better interior, they were nonchalant. Cupra Born, just a rebadged ID3, made on the same production line. Ultimately I won’t be getting another VW because of their software, not just in the car but the way it interacts, or doesn’t some of the time, with the phone app. Oh, and range. I wish reviewers would stop quoting WLTP ranges, they are totally unrealistic. Real range for a 58kWh ID3 is more like 220 miles in summer and 180 miles in winter, assuming charged to 100%. Haptic buttons, you get used to them. Window switches, how often do you open the rear windows. At least when you want to open the front window, you don’t open the rear one.

[@carlarrowsmith]

When these were £24k a few years back I almost bought one. Basic battleship grey and no reverse camera put me off. I'd have put in a steering wheel with normal clicky buttons and put heating controls on separate controls. Why VW insists on separating lights onto a separate panel I'll never know, just put them on the stalks, it'll be much easier and I bet cheaper to make.

[@JoeyMudflats]

Every review of the ID.3 criticises the two window winder buttons. I would like to state the case for the defence: when you pull into McDonald's drive-through, there's no danger of embarrassing yourself by opening the rear window by mistake. It's easy enough to toggle the function to open the rear windows when you need to, and you can hold the touch surface for over 3 seconds after which you can operate all four windows with one button. This is a real benefit and one that I haven't seen mentioned in reviews at all. Perhaps journalists don't read manuals?

[@timnicholls9827]

Although the interior is a great improvement but it still doesnt really sing. Typically VW the price seems reasonable but to get the bits and pieces others offer as standard it pushes the price right up. The Megane is far more interesting and much better value for the tech you get. Plus its a real head turner. I hate the rear spoiler on the ID3 . It spoils the line of the car

[@Koulis_]

Nice to see they got rid of the Halfords sticker from the c pillar, it's almost like they were promoting cheapness with that.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Nice review but 45k for what is nothing more than a golf is ridiculous especially considering that in November 2022 sweeping changes were made to the Car Tax system. These changes mean that from 1 April 2025, electric car drivers will be required to pay for car tax, the amount you pay will depend on the age and original price of your car. Older EVs registered before 1 April 2017 will pay as little as £20 per year from 2025, but electric cars registered after this date will be charged at the standard annual VED rate - based on current figures that would mean an annual rate of £180. However, owners of electric cars with a list price of £40,000 and more will pay the premium rate, which will cost an additional £370 based on today's figures. We all know that EV’s cost considerably more than their ICE counterparts! So be warned you will be taxed for being green and so many electric cars will fall into the higher rate of tax which is nothing more than a stealth tax.

[@ouethojlkjn]

Thanks for pointing this out I’ll have to look into it more closely. I assume this is for the UK

[@ohyesitsme]

I think that apart from the cheap materials the main problem was and still is the software. They are losing sales in the UK and in the US also in China which was a big market for VW, so much so that they have closed factories down for certain period of time. Since EV's have become the norm I see people are now looking at other brands and the legacy manufacturers are beginning to struggle. I notice the Jaguar I-Pace is to be discontinued and I think the direction that JLR are taking will see them disappear in the not too distant future. This facelift ID3 is an improvement but the damage to the reputation has already been done. So I think only the brand loyalist will look at this. I'm not sure with this new version what is offered as standard but if I remember correctly there is no heat pump and that came as an option. Like most of the Geman cars I wouldn't be surprised if they offer the tyres as an option.

[@PsychoDaD__]

I agree with what you wrote. Software is an issue and remains to be one. At this point, I would honestly would prefer to see it with Google Automotive - simpler, faster, and less hassle for the VW implementation team. In addition those heptic buttons are hell, you can get used to them, but sometimes they do feel more like a hazard than actual help. Regarding Chineese manufactures I still feel like this is bad pick for various reasons, but most of them Chinees gov. related.

[@ouethojlkjn]

You are right about the heat pump and other things like the granny cable some manufacturers are stingy about. I priced up the new BMW I X3 to match a comparable model Y and gave up when it went north of £61,000. Okay, the BMW has four-wheel-drive, but for an extra £16,000? no thank you

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

haha, they have had a good run.

[@andygeorgiou661]

Vw are selling the ID3 for £17k in China to try and compete the car price in the UK is to expensive.

[@thiagolima5232]

you are misinformed..in all history vw has never sold better in the uk compared to the present, in china there was a drop because now the chinese are being nationalists and their brands have improved, but after them vw is still much stronger than any other.

[@rthomp804]

The stocker on the back pillar was only on the very first issues of the car. They were removed quite early. eg 2022 ID3s do not have the sticker.

[@louishiggins8881]

You are right the design is very "Golf like", the Golf isn't a pretty car, but it is a very practical car for small families. I looked at the ID3 in 2021 but thought, no way is this a £36k car. The interior now looks up to VW standard. Been on the VW configurator, and with the various packs, it does get expensive very quickly (your test car had £6k of options and that's not fully loaded !!!). I have a Born, and it does look better and drives really well (like the ID3 will do) - rear wheel drive is ideal in an EV. You do get used to the buttons and switches, though the heater/volume sliders not being illuminated really is a pain. My only issue is that the software still has bugs, and I am concerned VW will never get OTA updates working ? Keep up the good work 🙂.

[@Joseph-jy5lz]

Good review as always. Nice to see VW picking up their game, the binnacle is a nifty solution. However, their revised catch-up design still seem like half a job and the cost of the car is too expensive, too many EVs are overly expensive. Keep up the great reviews

[@jogabhambra6606]

Very concise review!

[@tigertoo01]

Funny enough after 2 years of ownership of an id3, none of the issues which reviewers stated are an issue for me. I think there is a learning curve for any vehicle. The only thing I would like to see changed is the no backlit touch sensitive controls on the centre display. That’s an inconvenience at night. Which I don’t think has changed in the new version.

[@izoyt]

at launch of 1st edition of id3, media was still under "anti vw embargo", that's only real reason to have so much to say against it. what in reality could be realy that different? they just quaking some things as needed..

[@Madonsteamrailways]

For an older single guy like me, I think that the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric with the Wheelhome camper conversion is the best thing for my needs. A small, comfortable compact car that is as safe as houses!!

[@badhairday_247]

As a VW dealer I can say we are selling hardly any EVs. Tesla though…

[@jeffm1971]

A very good review of the VW ID3. Looks much improved over the outgoing model in terms of quality, still not sure abput the infotainment system though. I'm still pleased that I ordered the Renault Megane Etech which I'm very much looking forward to.

[@ouethojlkjn]

What I am bemused by this constant staring at slight plastic changes and vaguely different headlights and nothing whatsoever new on the drive train or battery front after over four years. Highland is coming in September. God knows what improvements there are there, but I’m sure it’s gonna be more than removing a couple of deckles and putting some fake stitching in the cabin.

[@thiagolima5232]

After Tesla it's VW, there's no way. God forbid I get a French electric car

[@hkad6252]

@@ouethojlkjnI have an ID3 and the drivetrain is crazy efficient and smooth.

[@jonesclanontheroadmoho]

I'd been uming and aring over a year on weather too get an EV, we've had VW'S for for 37 years. We or should i say i look at the ID.3 2 years ago and took it for a test drive and liked it till we started back too the dealers, then the car went in to meltdown we had to stop and shut the car down. 30 minutes later after it had gone to sleep, we got in and it came alive and we got back to the dealer ok, it was running software 2.1. THEN after getting wind of a facelift. I looked at a few KZbin channels. Still unsure your Vlog on it came up, telling me all that I needed to make my mind up. THANKS GOOD REVIEW so much we got one, id.3 pro 58kw in red running 3.7 software and under £33k still deals to be had. THANK YOU AUTO EV. Great review.🥰😍🤩😊🥳

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for watching and for sharing you thoughts and kind words. Enjoy your new ID.3!

[@Damo699]

Haptic buttons, sliders, no rear window buttons, infotainment system...all car review "Hot takes". Over 60k driven without an issue. Can't understand the fuss. Can't remember opening the back windows...Drove a Citroen and Peugeot as hire cars on holiday (because the brand new Citroen broke down). The software and quality on both were appalling. How are they getting away with it? The id3 criticism is totally overblown ... except for the price...way too expensive...VAG are in big trouble. All their electric offerings are overpriced...EX30 next for me.

[@AutoEV]

To be fair, whilst I do criticise the “usual suspects” I don’t think I’m down on the car as a car. I like the ID.3. Price wise it is expensive, but the quality is now very good. I prefer the Megane, but I do like the ID.3. Not the best in class, far from the worst. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Lewis_Standing]

The other problem with VWs is the standard kit it awful and you end up paying £10k more for stuff that's standard on it's cheaper competition. I specced a nearly 50k Pro Vs a 31k mg4. When you see how much cheaper Tesla can deliver their cars too, by having 1 version of each model, simplifying the manufacturing. The complexity with the option's model looks silly.

[@ouethojlkjn]

It was amusing that the first 20 minutes of this review went on about the colour of plastic and the type of eent used in the lower bumper, who cares? What have they done about the drivetrain and battery? They have had five years and Highland is about to arrive in September.

[@Lewis_Standing]

@@ouethojlkjn some people care alot about the look of a car, people aren't buying an id3 because of the battery size or 0-60 time Vs a Tesla

[@ouethojlkjn]

@@Lewis_Standing Indeed, they could have fixed the non backlit buttons don't you think? They have had four years and it is the number one customer complaint. Even customers who like the look of cars would like to be able to press buttons at night...

[@nealy2815]

Mad price. Quality gone up but VW relying too heavily on brand loyalty from buyers.

[@louishiggins8881]

EVs are still very expensive, the ID3 with a few options is £40k+. Truly a people's car 😂.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

@@louishiggins8881I bought a brand new ID3 a year ago good spec, matrix headlight, adaptive cruise, self park, pan roof, keyless entry and heat pump for £30k at the time it was cheaper than an equivalent spec diesel golf

[@gregorymurphy9980]

I don't see the charging port being on the rear quarter panel very intuitive. At least at home most drivers will pull into their garage or parking space head first.

[@RedBatteryHead]

They took lessons from Cupra. And still didn't nail it 😂. I'm so pleased I bought the Born. Got it all right. Besides some glitches on software, true that.

[@maki7506]

I have this car as a rental now and the user interface is dangerous to try to use while driving. Lag everywhere, things are burried in several submenus that makes no sense. No battery preheating before fast charging. I navigated towards a fast charger for more than an hour and the battery was ice cold and got barely 30 kW/h from a charger I regularly get 250 kW/h in my daily driver, spent 30 minutes to go from 35 % to 55 % where I would normally manage to go from 10 % to 80 % in my regular EV. This channel needs to be doing efficiency tests and charging tests as those are two very important tests for daily use and to see how economical the cars are. Bjørn Nyland is the best channel to see and hear about EV reviews and tests. He tests all aspects of the cars and you get a full overview of how the cars really are. Here you just get what is on the tin and the opinion of one that don't understands EVs.

[@jondonnelly4831]

Looks good from the back with that agressive spolier, I would and nice angular vw family taillights. The front does not match, it has a round even frumpy face and the facelift does not fix that. Needs work. Interior improvement in refresh is better but infotainment screen needs to be better intergrated into the dash cause it looks like something out of a van or lorry. Aftermarket even. Needs an overhaul badly. Seats are not sporty enough. I love my old mk6 gti. VW should do a gti or r line spec in the id3 and drop price.

[@bitmanev4331]

Seen many German reviews of this 'new' model and the software version 3.5 does a grand job only UK doesn't get the 12" screen 🤣 and the volume / heating sliders are still not iluminated 😶 and still left hand drive whipers 😁 In the software you have custom settings for various settings. 77KWh is 4 seater due total weight not the battery under the rear bence. An first time EV buyer will be left on it's own devices with the SatNav of the MG4., very bad routing / charge stations etc Where's BYD and other Chinese BEV's? BTW give me one perfect BEV?

[@AutoEV]

I don’t think such a car exists. If perfection did, we would have nothing left to strive for.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

And blinking Hell!! It has the old Mercedes wipers that park in the middle of the windscreen!! My 2003 Smart Cabro had them and they got in the way until I got used to them!!

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Was that tested already with the new much more powerful drivetrain? Probably not. But a good review nevertheless - very much from the perspective of a normal user, thank you for that.

[@andykemp2473]

The underfloor storage in the boot is much better in the revised version. In the original ID.3 there is a small, deep compartment, whereas in the video the space looks larger and more usable.

[@jonwragg3822]

Looks exactly the same to me. The previous model had a boot floor/ shelf which lifts up. I think this may have been an option/ standard on the higher trim models. That is what was demonstrated. Under that is a cubby hole containing the tyre pump/ sealant etc.

[@andykemp2473]

Well spotted. I have an ID.3 1st Edition which came without the boot/floor shelf and I haven’t seen it in action.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

With the current offers and finance incentives you can get one for pretty much the same price as an MG4 trophy

[@ouethojlkjn]

Which means VW, are probably losing a load of money on everyone they sell

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Did you realise that the gear stick on the right of the steering column is IDENTICAL to the units used in Rolls Royce cars?

[@hometechUK]

Until the new physical buttons on the steering wheel & new larger better infotainment screen comes at the end of 2024 I would not bother until then even though the new soft touch interior is welcome.

[@ouethojlkjn]

Yes, it looks like VW have given themselves an Osborne effect. The only thing really different about this car is a bit of interior and exterior detail.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Next year, I have to change my Renault Zoe car. I have found it to be a good car to drive, and with a big enough boot to take my electric bike and garden equipment.

[@ouethojlkjn]

I was shocked to read that the latest Zoe is a step backward, getting a euro in Rating of zero?! apparently it’s to do with the withdrawal of curtain air bags

[@gerryheery1388]

still not good enough. the 58 pro version here in ireland only comes with front speakers, i made the mistake of buying the id4 two years ago and as you said the software is terrible sometimes the door wouldn't open properly. i have recently traded it in for a kia ev6 which in my opinion is a far better car it cost me a lot of money to change other dealers are turning there noses up at the once powerful vw brand.

[@ouethojlkjn]

My neighbour just took delivery of his Kia EV6 and he told me he had a close look at the VW ID buzz camper, but it was too small?!

[@contraplano3157]

That should be a family or max version of the car. The standard version does not have camera and that roof... 18" wheels. It is much more expensive. The worst thing is MEB, that car as the same Weight as the ancient kia niro (64), and less battery (58).

[@Clarioner1]

Looks more grown up... should have been like this, particularly on inside when it was launched. They cost-cut. Unfrotunately eveyrone else can caught up and overtaken in design, tech, efficiency, value for money etc. Big ships take a long time to turn. Quite ridiculous that is goes to a 4 seater with the bigger battery - unheard of. That will catch out a LOt of people if they order online/lease.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

the new Kona knocks this out the park...No question.

[@brianparker8332]

They're tinkering at the edges. The main problem with this car is its inability for ota updates. Owners have to go back to the dealer to get updates done as a recall, big cost back to vag for the millionsof affected cars.. They got this badly wrong in the design, something Tesla do very well.

[@Lascarnn]

The software was the main problem, and now it's fixed. I feel that people don't respect the comfort, soft suspension and noise isolation, which is much better than in TM3/Y

[@AutoEV]

Oh I agree, the compliancy in the suspension is WAY above Tesla. However, I do feel the Megane and the Citroën ëC4 trump the VW in that department. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@o00scorpion00o]

Android auto can be wired or wireless the same as Apple car play.

[@garybarham3992]

I’m going for the new KONA

[@adamyoung9655]

I don't believe you can't have a middle seat on the 77kwh version due to the battery being under it. Like how much extra battery would you gain from that? A laptop sized?!

[@AutoEV]

Trust me. The 77kWh car only has the ability to seat two because of the battery. Same as the first generation car.

[@ncroft999]

It's true that the 77kwh version has never been able to be specced with a central seat in the UK (for both original and facelift versions) - but I believe that's due to the extra weight added by the extra battery modules, not extra space taken up by them (I believe they fit in the same sized outer battery casing under the floor). So allowing carrying of a 3rd back seat passenger would tip the kerb weight of the vehicle into another weight category, which is the issue. And similarly, you can't spec a panoramic glass roof with the 77kwh battery because the glass roof is heavier.

[@adamyoung9655]

@AutoEV Not sure I do trust you on this one I'm afraid

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The new ID3 is a much better looking car than the first ID3. Personally, I’d like to have a vehicle in which I can live on holiday.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

The location looks like a park in Brighton. Am I right? If so, I know it!!

[@sanmiguel4019]

Milton Keynes.

[@rvo8915]

Still to expensive compared to the competition.

[@ouethojlkjn]

I have to say I lost interest and stopped watching when It was pointed out the touch buttons on the centre console were still not back lit. In fact, why are they still even there? Probably because they couldn’t be bothered changing it on the 10 inch display, but the 12 inch display is the work of genius? Don’t worry, they’re British they won’t notice ? Plus the prices eye watering. At least it is a bit cheaper than the ridiculous Corsa.

[@demilleenpatjeonline9631]

It is an expensive EV, still without Vto L capebility. What about a heat pump, very important for the real range.? LFP batteries or not? BYD Dolfin not mentioned as a competitor , offering more value for much less money, certainly for a solar panels owner. A lot of energy storage only usable to go from A to B. Of no other practical use. One can not use too expensive EU EVs to charge and help an other EV or supply the home at night with your own solar power.

[@everythingtechnew7400]

The fact that it has all the styling appeal of a Beige Check Twin Gusset House Slipper really doesn’t do it for me.

[@bbbf09]

Really made big mistake with still ony 4 seater with longer range version> I was originally on waiting list and sat in the first release launch at Frankfurt motor show - and then immediately cancelled my reservaton on the basis of the cheap plasticky non VW feel I got from first sit in. Yeuch!

[@sargfowler9603]

Ridiculous price for that

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I’m only 5’4”, so I’d fit in the back like anything!!

[@stevenswann2835]

LHD wipers and no physical climate buttons means this is still a hard no from me. The Megane looks a much better alternative - nicer to drive, too, by all reports.

[@AutoEV]

The Megane is still our favourite in this class. Such a good car to drive, and looks incredible too.

[@devonbikefilms]

A good review, as ever. I still think my eNiro ‘21 model is a better, more efficient vehicle than the new id3. The id3 is still too expensive, too difficult to buy (although that’s a dealer issue) and not user friendly enough. It’s better than the old id3, but that’s not as high a bar as it should be. A Tesla MY or M3 is better than either mine or the id3. I genuinely think VWs id3 will be seen as a great missed opportunity. Without Deiss, I fear VW group are running into the buffers in slow motion and will not survive in the medium term.

[@stewheelie7874]

What I seriously dislike are these massive infotainment screens put in your face. I would like a screen below eye line like then Golf 7.5, and I think the screen size is more than adequate for anything you need to do, and it looks less obtrusive and more integrated. This obsession with multi menu system screens is way off the mark itoa. Your job is to drive the car and not be playing around with a touch screen. My Golf MK VI has advanced technology called buttons and switches to control things, it's easy, it works. I think what I do when I drive my car, use blinkers, turn volume up and down, climate control, de-misters, play some music, hey siri for hands free stuff. Oh and I look at my fuel gauge and range left, also controlled by buttons. I don't need a 15 inch screen like the Tesla. But that is just me.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Rolls first used in in 1954, especially in the automatic version. In 1954, there was still a manual Rolls-Royce car on the market.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

and the relevance is????

[@royc8587]

They don't drive very well and the interior needs brought back to golf 7.5 quality. Bought my first Toyota instead after driving an id3 from Inverness to Strathpeffer and loosing 60 miles of range. No thanks vw. I would rather a BMW I3 or the new baby smart than this. However they are making a fortune cutting corners

[@onederment]

Emmm there arent many alternatives. Made in china or not. The rival in mind is the MG. A hot hatch for 36k that can take on a ferarri or a porche 911??? I dont think people with the money will buy the id3 if they can get a stonking 450HP dragster EV for the same money. So how do you compete with a chinese market... add a levy ... add a tax. Do you think it right or rong (pun intended)?

[@AutoEV]

I’ll tell you my thoughts in a couple of weeks. Currently have the very car you are talking about on test for a road test review. Just driven it over 300 miles today, so I’m putting it through its paces!

[@PedroCarvalho0]

The Polestar 2 is much more car for the money. And... you don't have to chose between number of seats and battery size. So much for the advantages of a dedicated EV platform.

[@o00scorpion00o]

ID3 voice is rubbish and doesn't in any way make up for dedicated climate and radio controls for example, it's infuriating and Anyone that tests it would want to just get past the screen addiction and realise that looking through menus while driving isn't a good idea in fact why any car manufacturer thought putting touch screens in car for people to interact with while driving is beyond me, it's the dumbest thing ever. believe me, I have the tour 5 for 2.5 years and I want rid of it, it's just horrible to use and the weight of it is 2 tonne and you really feel it. I just hate the way cars are being made now, all the focus is on screen and ergonomics is not even in the minds of the designers, it's as if they're getting a bunch of teenagers who have never had a smart phone out of their hands to design the interiors of these cars. Bring back simplicity. I also hate TFT screens for speedo, fuel and all that bring back analogue clocks ffs, we have so many screens shoved in our faces all day why do we need it in cars ? sure screen is fine for sat nav and media but nothing else.

[@user-cj2pr4rt1z]

It's just the same old car you get from VW.

[@barrydoherty636]

To expensive, and still got software problems.

[@danezu791]

no way, this car worth not more than 15k dolllar and people will not pay the price of an apartment for this donut. Sorry but this is a joke and in two years they will chang the design because it does not sell.

[@iurii-wind]

🤝👍🇷🇺

[@ronjohnson4566]

all the prices are way to high and recharging the battery is ridiculous. so instead of driving to your destination enjoying the ride. you are constantly worrying about the battery, distance and whether the recharge station is working or not. It is a model T. The little lady will end up with a bug-screened bonnet, driving gloves and lace-up shoes. Wrong direction VW EV.

[@Alex-hr2df]

Overpriced for what it offers IMO

[@Kampf0r]

VW make inferior, slow, overpriced, boring EV’s. If you can’t make a product that can compete with Tesla, you are gone. Tesla is the benchmark.

[@tinyexcell]

Don't buy electric

[@AutoEV]

Yet you’ve watched an electric vehicle review channel…..? What an odd thing to say.