Price fighter! Volkswagen shows more of its cheap Volkswagen ID.1 ahead of 2027 release when it will take on the BYD Dolphin and MG4

February 17, 2025February 16, 2025 Bruce Newton 2558 Views 0 Comments ID.1, Volkswagen

Fresh sketches of the 2027 Volkswagen ID.1 small hatchback have surfaced that reveal how VW’s cheapest EV is shaping up ahead of its unveil this March.

Created to succeed the Up (remember that?) and rival the current crop of cheap Chinese EVs including the cut-price BYD Dolphin and MG4 as well as the inbound European Renault Twingo EV, the new baby VW EV has been confirmed for price that will kick-off at around €20,000 ($A33,000).

Original teases of the VW ID.1 suggested that the entry all-electric EV would look like a shrunken ID.3, but the new sketches reveal that now won’t be the case, with the firm’s most affordable ID model getting its own distinct look.

Boasting blocky styling that pays tribute to the Up city car and the facelifted second-generation Polo (1990-1994) hatch that was sold in Europe but not Australia, the new ID.1 also looks like an evolution of the 2021 ID. Life concept.

New takeaways from the latest drawings suggest that Volkswagen designers are once again plotting the use the one-piece glass tailgate concept that was employed on the original Up city car as a way of saving cash.

Other new design elements not shared with any current VWs are rectangular headlamps that incorporate neat 3D LED graphics.

They will be interlinked by a gloss black grille, the centrepiece of which is an illuminated VW emblem.

Finally, wide wheel arches and large alloy wheels are also present– although the latter will no doubt be dropped for more modest rims.

Still to be confirmed for the cheap VW EV is its name.

While early teasers saw a car wear an ‘ID.One’ numberplate – fuelling speculation VW was confirming ID.1 – the Concept gets the ‘ID Every 1’ badge, suggesting that could be its name when the production EV lands in 2027.

Commenting on the new drawings, VW chief exterior designer Andreas Mindt said: “Bold confidence meets timeless simplicity!

“With its compact yet spacious design, our new entry-level electric car blends functionality and style effortlessly.

“From the charismatic front to the smiling rear end, every detail creates a joyful connection.”

Developed alongside the bigger Polo-sized ID.2 that will be unwrapped later this year, the ID.1 will be based on the same MEB Entry architecture and come with a 57kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that delivers a maximum range of up to 400km.

According to VW CEO Thomas Schäfer, the new model will be both “affordable” and “high-quality”.

Keeping costs low, the new entry VW EV will spin-off cheap EVs sold by other Volkswagen Group members, with both Skoda, Cupra and, even, Seat likely to offer its own take on the ID.1.