Australians are missing out on some of the best new cars the world has to offer and it is all down to one major government issue.
The VW ID.3 is among the world’s most affordable small EVs, and one of the best. There’s just one problem – Australians cannot buy this battery-powered, Golf-sized, five-seat hatchback.
The reason? VW HQ prioritises EV supply to markets with binding nationwide emissions targets, apparently.
No-one at VW HQ is going to be losing sleep because the ID.3 isn’t being shipped to Australia. A more serious problem for the German giant is keeping up with demand elsewhere.
In Europe the ID.3 is a major hit. Since deliveries began in September 2020 more than 140,000 have been sold. Production of the ID.3 in China, one of the biggest EV markets in the world, began recently.
To find out why the ID.3 is such a success, we borrowed one from VW in Italy.
The ID.3 is priced for popularity. In Europe the most basic versions cost Nissan Leaf money. Starting at $49,990, the Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs in Australia. The top ID.3 undercuts the cheapest Tesla Model 3, the $59,900 Standard Range Plus. And the Model 3 is by a country mile the best-selling EV in Australia.
While the VW isn’t as large or as quick as the Tesla, the top ID.3 handily beats the most affordable Model 3 for driving range. And the bottom VW variants are vastly better EVs than the Nissan.
The ID.3 has a roomier and better equipped interior than the Leaf, more attractive all-round design, speedier AC and DC charging and is more fun to drive. With small, medium and large lithium-ion battery packs, there’s a wider range of choice, too.
The ID.3, unlike most rivals, is purpose-designed for battery power. This is why it has a stubby nose and a long, flat-floored cabin. And even though its single e-motor is somewhere under the cargo compartment floor, luggage room is similar to other small hatches.
Compared to other EVs, the ID.3 is really quiet. The suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride, and the VW handles the curves neatly. The steering is accurate and the brake pedal feels natural, which isn’t always the case in EVs.
Though top speed is capped at 160km/h, acceleration is brisk and seamless. As with most other EVs, the VW is really smart off the mark, aided by its rear-drive layout.
It’s simpler to drive than the ICE-powered car you’re used to. Settle into the driver’s seat, drop the key into one of the cupholders or leave it in your pocket, press the brake pedal and the VW is almost ready to roll. Twist the selector knob beside the speedo screen for forward or reverse, and press the accelerator to get moving.
The ID.3 we drove had the mid-level 58kWh battery. This gave it a real-world driving range of close to 300km on the motorway and 400km-plus in mixed city driving. Its energy consumption was about 14kWh/100km in town and 20kWh/h at high speed, both at the more efficient end of the EV spectrum. When the battery doesn’t have much left to give, a fast DC charger will take about 30 minutes to add 250km of range.
This is a car that doesn’t give the picky critic a lot to whine about. Its infotainment screen menus should be better designed and organised. The cabin decor doesn’t achieve the classy heights of the Golf. That’s about it.
VW has created an EV for the masses that’s likeable, practical, relatively affordable … and, for Australians, unavailable.
Originally published as 2021 Volkswagen ID.3 review: Aussies miss out on game-changing EV
For all the latest Technology News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
