Two and a half years after the launch of the first generation, Volkswagen’s ID.3 is coming to the market with a comprehensive upgrade: fresh design, higher-quality materials and the latest-generation assist systems.

In addition to the latest software, the compact electric car comes with a sharpened exterior and refined interior design. The range of colours has been extended by new colours, including luxurious dark olivine green. The new ID.3 is one of ten electric models that VW will launch by 2026.

High-quality, animal-free and sustainable materials reflect Volkswagen’s strategy for the all-electric ID. family.

The interior of the new ID.3 combines modern design and sustainable materials. Precise seams in a contrasting colour additionally enhance the feeling of quality. VW uses the microfibre material Artvelours Eco for the door trims and seat covers, a fabric that contains 71 per cent recyclate. This is a secondary raw material that is obtained by recycling plastic that has previously been disposed of as waste at least once. Artvelours Eco has the same characteristics in terms of look and feel and durability as conventional new materials. The interior equipment is also completely animal-free.

In addition, numerous suggestions from customers were collected and implemented as product improvements and to enhance the standard equipment package. Soft, foam- backed surfaces in the cockpit create a new haptic experience. The remodelled interior door trims also have softer and larger surfaces.

Charging is easier and even more convenient with the new ID.3., thanks to standard functions such as Plug & Charge – where the vehicle authenticates itself and starts the charging process when the charging cable is plugged in at a charging station – and the intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner. On longer journeys, the Electric Vehicle Route Planner calculates charging stops so that the destination can be reached as quickly as possible – using current traffic information and forecasts in addition to the battery charge level. The charging stops are evaluated dynamically on the basis of the capacity of the individual charging stations. This means that the route planning function may suggest two short charging operations with high power instead of a single long charging stop with low power. In addition, the system detects charging stations that are occupied – and does not suggest them in the first place. Points of interest can be transferred to the car using the free We Connect ID. app.

The new ID.3 comes with the latest software generation. This improves system performance and is able to receive over-the-air updates. The compact driver display with a screen diagonal of 13.4 centimetres (5.3 inches) is operated on the multifunction steering wheel. The middle of the console accommodates the now standard 30.5-centimetre (12-inch) touch display for the navigation system, telephone functions, media, assist systems and vehicle settings.

Many customer wishes were also taken into account when designing the menu structure. Among other things, the layout has become clearer, and the charging menu is now located on the first level of the touch display.

The optional augmented reality head-up display (AR head-up display) projects information such as the vehicle speed and dynamic navigation instructions onto the windscreen. For the driver, this information appears to be 10 metres in front of the vehicle – displayed with the correct perspective and clearly recognisable.

The exterior of the all-electric model from the compact class catches the eye with a fresh and sharpened look.

Hybrids and EVs increase market share

Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined figure now of 41%.

New car registrations for the month of February were up 9.9% (13,161) when compared to February 2022 (11,971). Registrations year to date are up 9.4% (40,476) on the same period last year (36,985).
Petrol powered cars accounted for 32.48%, diesel 23.32%
Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 12.8% (2,585) compared to February last year (2,291) and year to date are up 11.0% (8,152). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 45.9% (267) in comparison to February 2022 (183). Year to date HGV’s are up 49.9% (691). Imported Used Cars saw a 4.9% (3,990) increase in February 2023, when compared to February 2022 (3,805).

SIMI Director General Brian Cook said it is important to highlight that private customers, who still benefit from the SEAI Grant, account for 75% of EV sales so far this year and underlines the importance of the grant.