Is now the time to buy a Volkswagen ID3?

The Volkswagen ID3 has always been a bit of a mixed bag. When it was launched we thought the electric hatchback was good, but not great, with some quirky driving traits and an infotainment screen that would drive you to the edge of sanity.

Yet in the years since it came out, Volkswagen has taken the feedback on board and fixed some of the more jarring issues that plagued it at launch – making it a much more pleasant car to live with.

A new, heavily-refreshed version is about to replace it, known as the ID3 NEO, which means it could be the perfect time to grab yourself a bargain with the current model. I spent a week living with one to see if it’s worth missing the wait.

Is the Volkswagen ID3 a good car?

In short, yes it is. The ID3 took a lot of flak when it came out, and I reckon it’s because Golf enthusiasts were worried about an electric car stepping on the toes of Volkswagen’s beloved petrol hatchback. Oh, and the infotainment was atrocious at the time. It also had a lot of good qualities, that being said.

It looks super futuristic, for a start. The sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, two-tone colour schemes and big wheels are all plus points, though the front end is a bit blobby around the corners.

The interior is another success, by-and-large. There’s plenty of storage space with big door bins, a large cubby between the seats and room for your phone ahead of the cupholders – all thanks to the drive selector being a column-mounted stalk.

It’s not all roses, however, because the driver display now looks a bit dated compared to the latest alternatives. The large infotainment touchscreen is a far better system to use than it was when the car first came out, though. There’s a handy shortcut button for all of the driver assistance, and the menus aren’t too complicated to wrap your head around, but the touch-sensitive climate control sliders are unintuitive to use.

You can’t set the driver’s seat very low, either, which isn’t the end of the world but I found it a bit annoying in the sporty GTX Fire + Ice edition I drove. Space in the back is okay with good legroom, but alternatives have more headroom. The 385-litre boot is also fine – if nothing more.

There’s a range of battery options available for the ID3, but I’d go for the 351-mile range Pro S Match version. The GTX is more fun to drive, but it’s still no rowdy hot hatch, so there isn’t much point to it.

It’s comfortable around town and not too bouncy over bumps, while being quiet and composed on the motorway too. I found it to be capable on a country lane thanks to its darty steering, but its agility doesn’t translate to a thrilling driving experience, sadly. The brake pedal is very odd at any speed, spongy and devoid of feel until the switchover from regenerative braking to physical braking, which is the car’s biggest flaw.

Yet for the trials and tribulations of daily life, it’s hard to go wrong with an ID3. Volkswagen has done a solid job of ironing out its kinks over the years, and once you get used to the infotainment system and brake pedal, it’s a solid choice of hatchback.

Volkswagen ID3: prices and deals

The Volkswagen ID3 starts from just under £31,000 in entry-level Essential Pure trim, rising up to over £48,000 in range-topping GTX Fire + Ice edition trim – the funky purple number you see around these words.

An ID3 costs a good chunk more than an similarly-equipped Renault Megane E-Tech and it’s comparable to a Kia EV3, but you can save around £3,000 on average when buying an ID3 through Carwow. For the biggest saving, check out an ID3 Match Pro. You could save over £8,000 through our trusted dealer network.

Volkswagen ID3: Verdict

So yes, considering the deals available on lightly-used or showroom-floor ID3s, I’d say it’s worth saving your money and buying a late example of the current car.

There are some highly capable alternatives, though. If the ID3 doesn’t look sporty enough, try the Cupra Born on for size. It’s pretty much the same underneath, but with much sharper styling.

The Kia EV4 is a far more futuristic car, with a far better infotainment system, too. For maximum sensibility, check out the Skoda Enyaq small SUV. It’s one of the most sensible, practical cars you can buy.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.