VW ID3: Is it an EV game-changer?

The Volkswagen ID3 is surely one of the most important cars to be launched in 2020, bringing as it does a full electric car platform to VW's line-up. But is it good enough to take on rivals from the likes of Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot and even Tesla? To find out, electric car expert Vicky Parrott puts the ID3 First Edition to the test in this CarGurus UK review.

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[doughayes]

Vicky's review completely captures the pros and cons of the ID3. I collected mine two weeks ago, my first electric car, and am finding that it makes few demands whilst being very easy to live with - and delivers a huge 'feel good factor.' On the heater control question (the review mentions them being buried in the menus), I have discovered that simply swiping on the 'virtual sliders, ' at the base of the control screen, adjusts passenger and driver climate control temperatures. No need to dive into the menus - which, I'd agree, require some getting used to. If you are considering 'going electric, ' and have maybe driven other sub £40k offerings, test drive an ID3. You'll want one!

[jamesnasmith]

Superb presentation. An enjoyable conversational style delivering a smooth, well-articulated flow of useful facts without a blur of statistics or industry jargon. Top notch job by the lady. Bravo.

[funkyfin]

Great review Vicky. Good to see you back. As you say efficiency isn’t great and way below my i3. You seem lucky not to have the software issues owners and other reviewers have experienced. Those 2 issues made me cancel my 1st order but I’m sure VW will sort efficiency out with the fast charge update coming later next year. VW should recruit some of the Taycan software engineers in the meantime.

[dominicrusho]

I saw one of these for the first time yesterday, and what struck me was just how large it seemed in person

[NafaratMiyaMiya]

Good review! I enjoyed the details and the references to the competition!

[MrZaragon]

Just one fly In ID3/ ID4 ointment - the Skoda Enyaq & that does have lumbar support with a slightly lower retail price

[renebergqvist]

How on earth did you get under 3 miles / kWh.
We now have 1000 miles on the ODO and get between 3, 5 and 4, 0 - total average just under 3, 7 miles / kWh. Most of that is motorway in Denmark where the speed ranges from 75 to 80 mph.
It has much better effciency than the Leaf on the motorway (the car it replaced). It almost matches our Model 3 LR awd - at least up to 70 mph.

[Pipsicle]

I’ve been searching for an all electric car for ages that could have a tow bar fitted for carrying a cycle carrier. I’d all but given up then noticed a tow bar on the options list for this car. VW even says it’s not for towing anything but for using with cycle carriers. Well done VW, you have absolutely smashed the competition offering this. Can’t find another single rival that does.

[fredericborloo]

Quite a few reviewers and me would disagree with your consumption conclusion. I got 15 kWh/100km (4mi/kWh) on the highway at 15 C and 65mph ish. You will get at least 20kWh/100km (3Mi/kWh) on 70-75 ish mph highway driving in "Spring" conditions. You migh have been driving most of your route uphill, with headwind, in standing water, or on rougher road.

[SkywalkerPaul]

I test drove one yesterday. Great balanced car overall. It's going to sell a lot.

[FenderUsa]

Great review Vicky, I do like the look of these, though it's still too early in the EV game for me.

[robotstobor]

it does 0-60mph in just over 7s, how fast do you need it to be.

[gc]

considering range degradation over the years and in cold weather you could be looking at closer to 100 miles in worst case scenario which basically means this is a city car. then again it has the body style of a city car so at least it's not in denial about what it is.

[donlaight]

Does it corner better if you lean it round the corners?

[sevesellors]

Great review Vicky getting interesting now with the 500e, 208e, Corsa and now ID3.

[ramman]

The tour pro s with heat pump is an amazing car but vw please fix the window switches and remove some of the touch buttons to physical such as lights and hazard lights, and add more seat options like skoda enyaq. And please move that fuse box to driver side

[torjusekkje]

According to the previous review i saw, (Harry's Garage) This was the most efficient EV he'd ever driven Above 4 miles/kwt

[davedyer]

No doubt it is a good car, but not a game changer, that was the Model 3! It is not as efficient as a Model 3 and no way it will do anywhere near 260 miles. Numerous owners have had problems with the 12volt battery and glitchy software. It is a car that has been released before it is ready, mainly so VW can use sales to offset their CO2 emission fines in 2021

[najinaji]

I really like this car and would definitely trade my Ford in for this. I hope it comes with a in home charger I’m not sure I’ve heard about that just yet

[stephanweinberger]

Those touch "buttons" would drive me insane (especially on the steering wheel, as I like to sometimes change the position of my hands and e.g. grab the spokes); if they change that to physical buttons (or a 3rd-party manufacturer brings out a replacement) it would be my ideal car...