VOLKSWAGEN ID 3 PRO S

Amended (but not yet entirely resolved) version of electric hatchback arrives in UK

- JACK WARRICK

Volkswagen has been in a sticky situation for a little while now, but the German giant is hoping the light at the end of the tunnel will appear now it has an updated ID 3 on sale.

You would be forgiven for thinking that nothing about the design has been changed. Indeed, most people won't notice anything. But take a close look and you will see that the bonnet is now cleaner, without the black plastic brow; new air intakes have been added at the front and rear for improved cooling; the rear decals have been removed; and the 'ID' badges have been prised off the front wheel arches - all of which contributes to a very subtly more mature look.

Far more important are the changes inside. Volkswagen has taken some heavy flak over the interiors of its electric cars, focused on their scratchy plastics and cheap-looking materials. By its own admission, in fact, they were "frustrating". To make amends, it has given the ID 3 some plusher materials, including (as door trim and seat upholstery) a soft fabric that consists of 71% recycled materials. Soft-touch plastics are also now abundant - although some glossier areas do remain.