Volkswagen ID.3 150kW Life Pro Perform 58kWh 5dr Auto [120kW Ch] Review
Category: Small Electric
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe Volkswagen ID.3 is a remarkably well-rounded small electric car. Not only is it one one of the few EVs that’s genuinely good fun to drive thanks to its well-weighted steering and fantastic body control, but it feels genuinely zippy too, matching the acceleration of the pricier Kia e-Niro Long Range and pummelling the rest of its key rivals, including the Citroën e-C4 and Peugeot e-208. It’s also surprisingly well-equipped in Life trim and benefits from slow predicted depreciation.
The trim
See full equipmentWe’d recommend Life trim as it’s the cheapest way to get our preferred 58kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor. It comes with 18in steel wheels, automatic LED lights, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient LED lighting, a 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a DAB radio, heated front seats and even a heated steering wheel. Safety is taken care of by automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
The engine
See full engine specsThe Pro Performance has a 58kWh battery, a 201bhp motor and, according to official WLTP figures, a range of 263miles. We managed 197 miles on a mix of roads at our private test track. 0-62mph takes 7.3sec, matching the fastest Leaf. That’s some way off the pace of the slowest Model 3, but with typically instant electric-car surge, you won't find it lacking rapidity off the line. A 50kW charger should take it from 10-80% charge in around 60mins, while a 7kW home wall box will fully charge the battery from empty in around nine hours.
