Troubled Volkswagen ID.3 upgrades ahead of Aussie launch

March 7, 2023March 18, 2023 EV Central team 2526 Views Volkswagen

The updated Volkswagen Golf ID.3 small electric hatchback that is schedule to launch in Australia in early 2024 has been revealed.

The update pays particular attention to the cheap and plasticky interior and glitchy software of the original ID.3, which had been criticised by buyers.

There are exterior changes including LED headlights that can be upgraded to optional swivelling matrix LEDs and an improved 0.26 drag coefficient (Cd) courtesy of radiator shutters that open only when the electric motor needs cooling.

There is also a new front bumper, a new bonnet now painted entirely in body colour and the tail lights now have components in the tailgate.

The key interior changes include an infotainment screen upsized from 10- to 12-inches with a new and allegedly more easily navigable interface courtesy of upgraded software that is able to accept over-the-air upgrades via an onboard SIM.

The head-up display now supports augmented reality functions for the first time, while the small 5.2-inch digital instrument panel is unchanged.

Contrasting colours, better quality plastics and higher quality, softer, foam-backed materials are included in the revised interior.

Door trims and seat covers are a microfibre material called ArtVelours Eco that contains 71 percent material being recycled for at least the second time. Interior equipment is also animal free.

The rear motor and rear-wheel drive ID.3 continues to produce 150kW and 310Nm and offer the choice of 58kWh and 77kWh (net)battery choices. A successor for the 110kW/45kWh entry-level ID.3 is yet to appear.

Range for the 58kWh version is unchanged at 426km, while the 77kWh now claims 546km, which is 4km less than the original model. The maximum DC fast-charging gas been upped from 125kW to 170kW.

The ID.3 was the first new-generation Volkswagen brand EV based on the MEB architecture to launch in 2019. It has since sold 600,000 examples.

But it is scheduled to be the third Volkswagen BEV to arrive in Australia after the ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs. No local pricing for any of these models has been announced. The ID.Buzz electric Kombi is also due in 2024.

However, the ID.3’s close relation, the Cupra Born, goes on-sale in Australia in April priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs with a 77kWh battery.

Globally, Volkswagen plans to launch 10 BEVs by 2025.