VOLKSWAGEN ID.3 First Edition
AutoVolt Magazine|Issue 31
It’s Volkswagen’s most important launch in a generation, so can the ID.3 live up the standard set by the segment benchmark Golf?
Alex Grant
VOLKSWAGEN ID.3 First Edition

In 1974, a product revolution was taking place in Wolfsburg. After almost 30 years of series production, Volkswagen was phasing out its unusual rear-mounted, air-cooled engines for water-cooling and front-wheel drive, and mounting expectations were mounting on the new Mk1 Golf. It wasn’t the first to market, but the eventual successor to the Beetle spearheaded a new era. As the industry goes electric, the ID.3 looks set to do the same.

It’s hard to overstate just how important this was to get right. The ID.3 is the first product on the new Volkswagen Group electric vehicle platform, abbreviated ‘MEB’, which will eventually be used across its brand portfolio. by 2030, 40% of all cars and vans it sells globally will be based on this single architecture, with economies of scale extended further by licensing it to other OEMs as a shortcut to bringing EVs to market. Ford already has two MEB-based cars in the pipeline.

Of course, the bar is set high even within its own range. The Golf is Europe’s best-selling car; a by-word for classless quality with a strong enthusiast following, often cited as a segment benchmark. So Volkswagen hasn’t called time on its most popular product, but it has discontinued the e-Golf, recognizing that platforms designed for combustion engines don’t result in the best electric cars. With several large markets setting dates to go 100% electric, the segment benchmark appears to have a shelf life.

This story is from the Issue 31 edition of AutoVolt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 31 edition of AutoVolt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTOVOLT MAGAZINEView All
BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV
AutoVolt Magazine

BMW Prices Up All-Electric i4 Saloon And iX SUV

DUE for UK launch in November 2021, BMW has released pricing details for the new all electric i4.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs
AutoVolt Magazine

Volvo Trucks announces new family of heavy electric HGVs

VOLVO Trucks will boost its electric truck range in 2022, with the arrival of three more zero emission HGV models. Joining the FE and FL Electric trucks which are aimed at urban routes and use, the new FH, FM and FMX Electrics will cater for the heavier road transport sector.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE
AutoVolt Magazine

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTE

Can a hybrid hot hatch really deliver the best of both worlds? Alex Grant finds out.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 33
REACH FOR THE SKIES
AutoVolt Magazine

REACH FOR THE SKIES

Electric flying racing cars have literally taken off, thanks to pioneering efforts from the Airspeeder team.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 33
POLESTAR 2
AutoVolt Magazine

POLESTAR 2

With motorsport in its DNA, has Polestar cracked the electric driver’s car?

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 33
HYUNDAI IONIQ 5
AutoVolt Magazine

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5

The retro-inspired first instalment of Hyundai’s new-generation EV line-up has substance worthy of its head-turning styling.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 33
Kia EV6
AutoVolt Magazine

Kia EV6

Hot on the heels of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, sister car the EV6 heralds a fresh new design direction for Kia, as well as the first of eleven electric cars (including seven dedicated) to launch globally by 2026.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 33
BEAUTY... and the BEAST
AutoVolt Magazine

BEAUTY... and the BEAST

With five rounds, nine teams and no fossil fuels; the first season of Extreme E is a no-holds barred proving ground for next-generation electric technology, and the result of some competing sustainability requirements.

time-read
9 mins  |
Issue 33
Audi prices Q4 e-tron
AutoVolt Magazine

Audi prices Q4 e-tron

THE new Audi Q4 e-tron all electric SUV is now on sale on the UK, with prices starting at £40,750 OTR for the standard model and £42,250 OTR for the more swoopy, coupélike Sportback model.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 33
2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC
AutoVolt Magazine

2021 JAGUAR E-TYPE ELECTROGENIC

The Jaguar E-Type, dubbed “the most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari needs little introduction to classic car fans the world over. Its design is so iconic that the E-Type is frequently credited as blurring the lines between definitions of art, sculpture and vehicular transportation.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 33