Volkswagen ID 3 GTX: A New Beginning for the German Car Maker’s Electric Hot Hatch
Volkswagen has a long history of producing hot hatches, with the original Golf GTI being unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975. However, the Volkswagen ID 3 GTX represents a new beginning for the German car maker in the performance-based hatchback market. Not only is it Volkswagen’s first electric hot hatch, but it’s also the first to be sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive.
The ID 3 GTX is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, which provides the car with a claimed 282bhp and 402lb ft of torque. With a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, it offers impressive performance for an electric vehicle. In the UK, the ID 3 GTX is sold exclusively in range-topping ID 3 GTX Performance guise, which offers even more power with 322bhp and 402lb ft of torque.
One of the standout features of the ID 3 GTX is its design. It features sporty styling touches, including a restyled front bumper with a high-gloss central black air intake and arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights. The rear of the car also features reshaped sills and a redesigned diffuser element, giving it a more aggressive look.
Inside the ID 3 GTX, Volkswagen has paid attention to detail. The car comes with premium seats, available in fabric or synthetic leather, which feature red stitching and perforated GTX logos. The interior also features a new centrally-mounted 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with a revised menu structure and natural language voice control.
When it comes to ride and handling, the ID 3 GTX offers a competent and stable driving experience. The steering is direct and precise, giving the car agile and responsive handling. The suspension has been reworked with retuned springs and dampers, providing a more sporting edge. The ID 3 GTX also offers a comfortable ride, making it a great option for long-distance driving.
In terms of engines and performance, the ID 3 GTX offers a good balance of power and efficiency. The electric motor provides strong acceleration, and the car’s larger 79.0kWh lithium-ion battery offers a range of up to 375 miles. It also boasts a faster charging capacity, allowing for a 10-to-80 percent refill of energy stores in just 26 minutes on a high-powered DC charger.
While the ID 3 GTX offers impressive performance and a comfortable driving experience, it lacks the interaction and engagement that buyers might expect from a car with Golf GTI connotations. The lack of a raspy exhaust note and the absence of software solutions to enhance the driving experience mean that the ID 3 GTX falls short of its internal combustion engine equivalent.
Overall, the Volkswagen ID 3 GTX is a fast, responsive, and well-equipped electric hot hatch. It offers a competent and intuitive handling experience, and its larger battery provides more range and faster charging. However, it falls short in terms of the hot hatch factor in both its handling and performance. Despite this, the ID 3 GTX is a solid choice for those looking for a stylish and efficient electric vehicle.
