by Which electric car is better to buy? This question is often asked by those Ukrainians who wish to switch to a fundamentally new type of personal transport. And it’s no surprise why – in the past few years, the number of electric models has grown so much that it’s sometimes overwhelming. One of the interesting offers of today is the Volkswagen ID.3. Here’s why you should take a closer look at this car.
The successor of the trendsetter and bestseller
Volkswagen ID.3 is the ideological successor of the Volkswagen Golf, which first appeared back in 1974. Interestingly, in 2013, the German brand released an electric version of the iconic model called e-Golf, which was built on the basis of the fuel hatchback and did not shine in terms of characteristics (even the battery was modest – at 24.2 kWh, although in 2016 it was increased to 35.8 kWh). However, the ID.3 was created from scratch as an electric vehicle. It was the first to receive the MEB electric platform, which has already served as the basis for many new models of the Volkswagen Group, and in the future, even Ford electric vehicles will be built on it (as part of an agreement between the two giants).
Volkswagen has high hopes for the ID.3. It is expected to do for the Wolfsburg brand approximately what the Beetle and the Golf once achieved.
German quality
In numerous reviews from reputable foreign media, it is fairly pointed out that Volkswagen ID.3 has “empty” interior materials. But everything, as they say, is relative. And in this respect, even Tesla takes a back seat. The body and interior panels of the VW ID.3 fit together smoothly, with no uneven seams or “fluttering” elements. Overall, the ID.3 is the Volkswagen we know. Take, for example, the ergonomics. It is designed with the inherent German pedantry. In front of you is a compact 5.3-inch instrument panel with three informational widgets, slightly to the left, above the central console vents, is a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions.
Anti-Chinese range
Recently, electric vehicles from China are in great demand in Ukraine. Yes, they are attractive in price (although not always), but often they have one disadvantage compared to European cars – a “cut” and sometimes even frankly insufficient range. The VW ID.3 does not have this problem. The top version with a usable battery capacity of 77 kWh is capable of driving up to 600 km on a single charge. Of course, there are simpler versions – with a 58 kWh battery and a range of 430-450 km, and even with a 58 kWh block and a range of 330-350 km, but such options are correspondingly cheaper.
Sporty like the Golf GTI and smooth like the Citroen DS
Since the VW ID.3 is an electric vehicle, all the torque is available immediately at start. What does this mean in practice? Instant acceleration. Yes, acceleration to “hundred” cannot be called outstanding (9.6-7.3 seconds – depending on the version), but the mark of 60 km/h the car overcomes very briskly – in the top Pro Performance modification it is some 3.4 seconds. And the ID.3 enters corners perfectly and rolls minimally – due to the low center of gravity, caused by the specificity of the traction battery location (it is in the floor).
The VW ID.3 also has a very soft and maximally balanced suspension (if you use the car on 19-inch wheels or smaller). It ideally handles asphalt patches and other irregularities, which is certainly a plus for our roads.
Claiming crossover qualities
The ground clearance of the VW ID.3 is 150 mm. This is neither too much nor too little. And it would be nothing if it weren’t for the electric car’s short overhangs and plastic sills. These two facts to some extent allow it to even compete with cross-hatchbacks.
A city car with the space of a midsize sedan
Here, thanks must be given to the mentioned MEB platform. Thanks to it, the VW ID.3 skillfully combines the dimensions of the Golf with the practicality of the Passat. With a length of 4.6 m and a wheelbase of 2.76 m (such a distance between the axles is usually found in midsize sedans), the car has a huge amount of space both in the front and back (although this was also facilitated by the absence of a tunnel and a high roof).
The VW ID.3 also has a high seating position, a large windshield angle, additional windows in the pillars, and an incredibly short hood (since there is no engine there), which provides good visibility and the ability for easy parking in narrow spaces.
The owner will definitely stand out in the crowd
The Volkswagen ID.3 has been on sale since 2020, yet it is still a “rare bird” on domestic roads (in Ukraine, such cars can be counted on the fingers). However, if the model itself is still truly in the status of exclusivity, we know the manufacturer well. And we can trust them.
You can buy a Volkswagen ID.3 at the Next Car dealership. Currently, there are two models available – in the ID.3 ST Pro Performance and ID.3 Pro S Max versions (certified, European assembly). These electric cars are also available to order. A 2-year factory warranty is provided on the vehicles without mileage limitation. For more information, contact Next Car dealership.
