VOLKSWAGEN FAILS ID CHECK

The original ID.3 was a let down... and this slightly revamped version still won't scare Chinese competitors

- COLIN GOODWIN

THERE'S more and more talk about the Chinese car invasion. In the last quarter of 2023, BYD outsold Tesla globally. We tested all BYD's cars available in the UK (all EVs) and while not best in class, they're very credible.

The name BYD, and other Chinese brands such as Chery and GWM, is familiar to board members of European car firms. These high-tech newcomers, well made and keenly priced, are keeping the old-school makers on their toes.

So for Volkswagen to have got things wrong with its ID.3 when it launched it in 2020 was a big blunder. With a recent facelift, some of the issues have been addressed.

Some, not all.

One of the biggest criticisms was directed at the poorly thought out dashboard and infotainment system.

Software was slow and clunky and having heating controls that are touch sensitive but not illuminated at night was a ridiculous move.

Other issues included a rather poor-quality interior with cheap scratchy plastics where they shouldn't be. That is, on display and where you'll touch them.

Late last year, Volkswagen gave the ID.3 a facelift which, annoyingly, doesn't include sorting out the infotainment and controls. That'll come some time this year. What is welcome is a simplification of the range.