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Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.3 in production form at the Frankfurt motor show.
It’s the manufacturer’s first purpose built electric car and is expected to be on UK roads by Summer 2020.
Prices are expected to start at around £26,000 with ordering to commence in the Autumn.
There will be three powertrain options available. The entry-level car will use a 45kWh battery, giving a range of up to 205 miles.
A larger 58kWh battery will boost range to 260 miles.
Range-topping models will use a 77kWh battery, with a 340-mile range.
Fast charging (100kW) enables 180 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes.
The ID.3 is the first VW Group vehicle to be based on its new MEB platform. It was developed specifically for electrification with batteries integrated into the underbody.
Eventually this platform will underpin a large range of electric models across the Group.
The ID.3 will be built at VW’s Zwickau plant, which has recently been repurposed for the new platform. The company expects to build around 330,000 MEB-based vehicles per year there.
“The ID.3 is an all-rounder that is suitable for everyday use. It is compact, as such offering the manoeuvrability of a small car with the interior space of a mid-range vehicle. It combines exciting design with innovative technology and significant range,” said Silke Bagschik, head of sales and marketing for the ID. family at Volkswagen.
The basic version of the ID.3 (1st) includes a satnav, DAB, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode-2 charging cable and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The ID.3 1st Plus additionally features a rear view camera system, Adaptive Cruise Control and the keyless locking and starting system. It also has 19-inch wheels, LED matrix headlights and tinted windows.
Range-topping ID.3 1st Max includes an augmented reality head-up display, Beats sound system, panorama sliding/tilting glass roof and 20-inch wheels. It also has a lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, a lane change system, wireless phone charging and comfort seats.
The interior is designed to maximise space and includes a new digital infotainment system and interfaces.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
Jacksson - 10/09/2019 12:32
It will be interesting to learn more about the "wireless phoney charging" feature referred to in the article.