Volkswagen ID.3

The facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 has turned the model's fortunes around, addressing the criticisms of early cars with better cabin materials and a much-improved 12.9-inch touchscreen that is now standard. Reviewers have responded well, typically rating it around 8 out of 10 and calling it a sensible, comfortable and easy-to-drive electric hatchback.

The line-up now spans four versions: the 52 kWh Pure (240 miles) from about 30,860 pounds, the 59 kWh Pro (270 miles), the 79 kWh Pro S (352 miles) and the 326 hp GTX at 49,370 pounds, which is both the quickest and - at 371 miles - the longest-range ID.3. It also holds a fresh 5-star Euro NCAP rating from 2025, with 86 percent adult and 87 percent child occupant protection, and adds a third ISOFIX point on the front passenger seat. Efficiency of 4.1 to 4.4 mi/kWh keeps running costs among the lowest in the class.

The ID.3 covers a lot of ground across its four versions. The 52 kWh Pure makes 170 hp and offers 240 miles WLTP, the 59 kWh Pro steps up to 204 hp and 270 miles, and the 79 kWh Pro S keeps that 204 hp while stretching to 352 miles. The GTX is the standout: 326 hp and 545 Nm for a 5.7-second 0-62 mph time, yet it still returns the range-topping 371 miles.

All versions are rear-wheel drive, which gives the ID.3 a tidy, natural balance and a tight turning circle that suits town driving. Efficiency is a real strength at 4.1 to 4.4 miles per kWh, so real-world range holds up well - expect around 290 to 320 miles from the 79 kWh cars. For most buyers the Pro S is the sweet spot, with the GTX reserved for those wanting genuine pace.

The Volkswagen ID.3 was retested by Euro NCAP in 2025 and holds a full 5-star rating, with 86 percent for adult occupant protection, 87 percent for child occupants and 78 percent for vulnerable road users. Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, VW's Travel Assist lane-centring system, automatic emergency braking and multiple airbags. A useful practical touch after the facelift is a third ISOFIX point on the front passenger seat, making it easier to fit child seats in a family of three or more.

Charging is one of the ID.3's strengths. Depending on the model it accepts 120 to 185 kW on DC, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 26 to 30 minutes - competitive with the best in the class. At home, a 7 kW or 12 kW AC charger gives a full charge in roughly 9.5 to 12.7 hours, ideal overnight. It uses a CCS (Type 2) connector, and its 4.1 to 4.4 mi/kWh efficiency means each charge goes a long way, keeping running costs low.

Volkswagen covers the ID.3 with a 3-year or 60,000-mile vehicle warranty, with the first two years unlimited mileage, plus an 8-year or 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty in line with the segment. VW's large UK dealer network makes servicing convenient, and fixed-price service plans are available to spread costs. Confirm the latest terms with your Volkswagen dealer at purchase.

The facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 is finally the car it should always have been. VW fixed the early complaints - the cabin feels better made and the 12.9-inch screen is far more usable - and what is left is a comfortable, efficient, genuinely easy electric hatchback with strong range and 5-star safety. The Pro S is the value pick, offering 352 miles for around 40,000 pounds, while the GTX adds real pace and the longest 371-mile range. The touch-sensitive climate controls still annoy, and the top models are pricey, but as a sensible everyday EV the ID.3 is now among the easiest to recommend in the class.

Against the MG4, the ID.3 is more refined, better built and more efficient, though the MG undercuts it significantly on price. Versus the Renault Megane E-Tech and Cupra Born (which shares the ID.3's MEB platform), the VW is the more sensible, comfort-focused choice while the Cupra is sportier and the Renault more stylish. Compared with the Tesla Model 3, the ID.3 is smaller and cheaper but gives up the Supercharger network and software polish. In short: choose the ID.3 for comfort, efficiency and safety in a Golf-sized package; look at the MG4 for value or the Born for a sharper drive.

Buy the ID.3 if you want a comfortable, efficient, well-rounded electric hatchback with strong safety and a proper five-seat cabin - the 79 kWh Pro S is the sweet spot for its 352-mile range, while the 59 kWh Pro suits mostly-urban drivers on a tighter budget. Go for the GTX only if you genuinely want the performance, since it is a big price jump. Look elsewhere if you need the lowest possible price (the MG4 is cheaper), want a sportier drive (Cupra Born) or cannot live with touch-sensitive climate controls - try them on a test drive first.

The ID.3 is cheap to run for its class. Efficiency of 4.1 to 4.4 miles per kWh means home charging costs very little per mile - far below petrol - and EV maintenance is minimal, with regenerative braking reducing brake wear. VW's large dealer network keeps servicing convenient, and fixed-price service plans help budgeting. For company-car drivers, the very low Benefit-in-Kind tax on EVs makes the ID.3 especially cheap on a business or salary-sacrifice scheme. Residual values for the facelifted car have also firmed up as reviews improved.

As an electric car, the ID.3 is attractive on tax in the UK, though the rules changed in April 2025 - EVs now pay Vehicle Excise Duty, so it is no longer free, and higher-priced versions such as the GTX may attract the expensive-car VED supplement, which is worth checking before you order. Company-car drivers still benefit from very low Benefit-in-Kind rates, making the ID.3 far cheaper than a petrol equivalent on business and salary-sacrifice schemes. It is also ULEZ-compliant. Confirm current VED bands and BIK rates before buying.

Like all EVs, the ID.3 needs far less maintenance than a petrol car - no engine oil, no spark plugs, no clutch and no exhaust - and regenerative braking means brake pads last longer (the lower trims even use rear drums, which need less attention). Routine servicing covers tyres, brake fluid, cabin filter and software updates at set intervals. Volkswagen's large, well-established UK dealer network makes servicing easy and parts readily available, and the 8-year battery warranty protects the most expensive component.