A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.5
Running Costs
4.7
Practicality
4.1
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an electric car that doesn’t compromise on practicality or style? The Volkswagen ID.3 might be exactly what you need. This all electric hatchback represents VW’s serious commitment to sustainable driving, offering impressive range and modern technology in a familiar family car package. The ID.3 competes directly with rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe, but brings German engineering quality to the electric vehicle market. With its spacious interior, intuitive infotainment system, and real world range of up to 260 miles, the ID.3 makes electric driving accessible for everyday use. Whether you’re looking for a clean commuter car or a practical family vehicle, the ID.3 delivers the reliability and efficiency that makes switching to electric feel effortless. The combination of zero emissions driving, low running costs, and Volkswagen’s reputation for build quality creates a compelling package. For drivers ready to embrace electric motoring without sacrificing the practicality they expect from a traditional hatchback, the ID.3 offers an excellent introduction to emission free driving with flexible car finance options available.
What's the Volkswagen Id3 Like to Drive?
The Volkswagen Id3 offers a choice of electric powertrains, all delivering smooth and instant acceleration. The entry level version produces around 145 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most situations. The more powerful variants offer up to 204 horsepower, delivering brisk acceleration with 0-60 mph times around 7.3 seconds. What impresses most is how refined and quiet the Id3 feels, making every journey relaxing and stress free.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
Electric motor
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Power Output
145 - 204 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.0 - 7.3 seconds
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MPG Combined
217 - 260 miles
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volkswagen Id3: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Id3 and you’re greeted by a spacious, airy cabin that feels genuinely premium. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a 10 inch touchscreen that controls most functions. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft touch plastics and solid build quality that VW is known for. The seats are comfortable and supportive, easily accommodating longer journeys without causing fatigue.
A genuinely compelling electric hatchback. The ID.3 delivers a surprisingly complete package – practical, well-priced, and with a refreshingly mature, if understated, design.
Is the Volkswagen Id3 Expensive to Run?
The Id3’s running costs are where electric motoring really shows its advantages. Electricity costs are significantly lower than petrol, with typical charging costs equivalent to around 100 mpg in a conventional car. Home charging overnight on cheaper tariffs can reduce costs even further. Road tax is currently zero for electric vehicles, and company car tax rates are extremely low, making it attractive for business users.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen Id3
|
Kia e-Niro
|
Hyundai Kona Electric
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £35,000 | £31,000 |
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Performance
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| Power | 145 bhp | 136 bhp | 136 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 260 miles | 282 miles | 259 miles |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 385 litres | 451 litres | 332 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Fast charging, VW build quality | Long warranty, Spacious cabin, Excellent range | Distinctive styling, Good value, Comprehensive warranty |
Volkswagen Id3 Practicality & Boot Space
The Id3 proves that electric cars don’t have to compromise on practicality. The 385 litre boot is a decent size, easily handling a weekly shopping trip or holiday luggage for a small family. The rear seats fold down to create a flat loading area, expanding cargo space significantly. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin provide plenty of space for phones, drinks, and everyday items.
We’ve had our Id3 for eight months now and absolutely love it. The space inside is incredible and the running costs are so much lower than our old petrol car. Charging at home is convenient and we’ve only needed to use public chargers a few times.
The Volkswagen Id3 stands out as one of the most accomplished electric family cars available. It combines impressive range, spacious accommodation, and VW’s renowned build quality into an appealing package. While the initial cost is higher than petrol alternatives, the significantly lower running costs and excellent real world usability make it a smart long term choice.