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.
This story is from the August 09, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 09, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE DRAMATIC ITALIAN THAT MARKED THE END OF AN ERA
When the Huracán bowed out, the curtain fell forever on Lambo's V10
HOW EV MAKERS CAN WIN THE RACE TO 5.0MPKWH
Manufacturers are honing every detail to close in on big efficiency goal
MASERATI MC20
We bid a sad farewell to a handsome supercar that was easy to live with
The quickening
Instant acceleration is part of the appeal of an EV, but is it all getting a bit much for unwary and inexperienced drivers? JOHN EVANS investigates
Inside track
Watching an F1 race with live access to engineers and telemetry is the stuff of dreams for racing fans. ALEX WOLSTENHOLME makes a day of it
WHOLE IN ONE
The Volkswagen Golf has been all things to all motorists for half a century. At the wheel of a classic Mk1, VICKY PARROTT charts the eight-generation history of one of the world's most successful cars
DACIA DUSTER
Mk3 model gains digital tech, ADAS, slicker looks... Is this mission creep?
MAZDA CX-80 PHEV
Another look at Mazda's hefty SUV, this time in plug-in hybrid form
VAUXHALL GRANDLAND ELECTRIC
Newcomer looks to ease the average family SUV driver into EV motoring
BMW X3 20 XDRIVE
Fourth generation of brand's best-seller arrives with base petrol engine
