Volkswagen ID.3 receives mid-cycle facelift; receives design & tech updates

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen introduced the ID.3 EV almost three years back and the car has already been given a mid-cycle update. So, rather than being a completely new model, the 2023 ID.3 is more of a facelift with changes coming in the form of design and tech updates.

Also Read: Volkswagen ID.7 gets a pretty smart air-conditioning system; check the details

Let’s check out what’s new with the all-new VW ID.3 -

Design

As mentioned above, the new ID.3 receives some design changes that give the car a slightly more conventional look and feel. The changes include

• A re-profiled front bumper
• New vertical air curtain intakes on the corners
• Updated bonnet with new panel pressing
• Improved drag coefficient
• Updated tail light with new X-shaped lighting signature
• New ‘Dark Olivine Green’ hue with blacked-out roof and matte silver accents

Tech

The most significant update on the 2023 ID.3 comes in the form of updated software on a new larger 12-inch central infotainment display. What does the revised software bring? Well, it promises enhanced performance along with revised UI/UX design; two desperate improvements in the EV.

Interior

The cabin too benefits from a few revisions which come in the form of -

• Improved materials
• More soft-touch surfaces across the cabin
• Remodeled door cards with large & softer armrests

Powertrain

No changes here. The VW ID.3 continues to be powered by a rear-mounted e-motor generating 204 hp and 310 Nm of torque. The company offers two choices of batteries - a 58 kWh pack for the base Pro variant (426 km of range), and a 77 kWh pack for the Pro S (serving up to 546 km).

While the top speed in both the variants is limited to 160 kmph, the 0-100 kmph acceleration time differs by 0.6 seconds (the one with the larger battery pack is slower).

Charging

The new ID.3 gets an updated DC charging rate on the range-topping Pro S model. Now up to 170 kW, the charging time is reduced by 30 mins. The Pro gets the same 120 kW DC charging rate which takes 35 mins to go from 5 to 80% charge.

What do you think of the updated VW ID.3? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Volkswagen electric vehicles saw a 23.5% increase in sales in 2022