Rather than just facelifting the ID.3, Volkswagen has given it a new name – to signify just how different the new car is.
The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo has now been revealed. Often, when a car is facelifted, designers might tweak the bumpers, add new wheel options and lightly refresh the interior. But the ID.3 has a thoroughly overhauled interior, higher quality materials and a new propulsion system – as well as a fresh new face.
It's a response to customers and critics condemning Volkswagen's ID. range of electric cars for feeling too cheap and arriving with seemingly half-baked software.
Volkswagen ID.3 Neo styling
The ID.3 Neo is designed to sit closer to engine-powered VW models in terms of its styling. Every panel is now one colour, whereas the ID.3 had the bootlid and the panel beneath the front windscreen painted black – which made it stand out as something different. There are slimmer headlights with a thick chrome or LED strip between them, giving the front end a more modern look.
You can now optionally choose 20-inch aluminium wheels on the Life trim, and there's a new Norwegian Sea Blue paint colour. It looks like the Life model – which is likely to be the base model in the UK – now comes with alloy wheels as standard, rather than the cheap-looking hubcaps VW previously gave you.
Interior
Here's where the bulk of the changes are – in fact, it looks like nothing's been carried over.
There's a new steering wheel full of proper buttons, and VW has now fitted a row of climate controls between the air vents and phone trays. We're pleased to see that there are now four window switches for the four windows, rather than a needlessly frustrating two-button setup. It seems like the ID.3 has now been properly developed with users in mind.
A new infotainment system sits within a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and that sits alongside a proper 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Unlike the outgoing ID.3, the new car has a proper centre console. There are a couple of phone trays and lots of storage compartments, plus a bag shelf underneath where there was just a gap between the seats before.
The ID.3 Neo will also offer Vehicle-to-Load functionality, letting you power small electricals such as a coffee machine or an e-bike from the car’s battery.
As part of this tech-lift, the ID.3 Neo will let you use your phone as the car’s key, meaning you don’t have to take both items with you. However, you can pay for even more functions through the car's in-screen shop, which has its pros and cons.
Range and performance
The ID.3 Neo comes with the option of three powertrains:
- A 50kWh battery with a 170hp motor (this version may not come to the UK)
- A 58kWh battery with a 190hp motor
- A 79kWh battery with a 231hp motor
The 50 and 58kWh batteries post a maximum charge rate of 105kW – which is somehow lower than the 58kWh battery currently offers – while the 79kWh battery can charge at up to 183kW. Large battery models now manage up to 391 miles on a charge.
A heat pump is standard on the top trim levels and optional on the Life model, to improve the range in cold weather.
The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo will benefit from an updated Travel Assist system, which groups all of the driver assistance tech into a semi-autonomous driving package. The systems can now detect traffic lights, and the ID.3 Neo will offer full one-pedal driving – meaning the car will come to a complete standstill when you take your foot off the accelerator.
Prices and specifications
European models come in Trend, Life and Style versions, but VW's UK website suggests that we're not getting the Trend spec. Instead, you'll be able to choose a high-spec Style Launch Edition version.
Life comes with wireless phone charging, a reversing camera and climate control, while Style adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, the illuminated front strip, 19-inch alloys, a digital key and sports seats. Top-spec Style Launch Edition features a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, park assist, powered front seats with a massaging function, and extra driver assistance features.
It's a little disappointing that you now have to pay extra for heated seats – previously these were standard across the ID.3 range.
Prices are yet to be revealed, but the ID.3 Neo shouldn't cost too much more than the outgoing ID.3, which starts from just under £31,000.
Versatile Volkswagens for you
Shop used Volkswagen ID.3 cars for sale at Motorpoint, or read our Volkswagen ID.3 review to see what we think of the outgoing model.
