The reason why VW NZ has chosen to take the brand’s entry electric once it has been refreshed seems logical.

EARLY Kiwi adoptees of Volkswagen’s first car in the ID electric family could be wishing they’d not jumped the gun via the grey market route, now Germany has revealed something of the facelift car, coming here via the official distributor.

The prudence of Volkswagen NZ’s decision to steer clear of the ID.3 until it’s mid-life refresh – a policy that means the ID.4 and ID.5 have priority as NZ-new product – seems all the more understandable now. 

The freshen reminds that much has changed in the electric vehicle world since the ID.3 released in 2019, as the first bespoke electric to replace the e-Golf, which was a conversion of a car built initially for combustion engines.

VW Germany has yet to share full details of the revisions coming for ID.3, but has whet appetites with weekend release of design sketches previewing both exterior and interior changes and left impression technology changes are coming, along with an improvement in range.

External alternations will be subtle. The bumpers achieve a new look, with large vertical air intakes at either side, that will likely form a curtain of air along the sides of the car to help improve efficiency. The headlight and rear light designs have changed. Facelifts normally bring a new style of alloy wheel design, too.  

While efficiency figures haven’t been released, the Auto Express website says Wolfsburg has indicated the WLTP range will change, with an increase assumed. The site and other overseas’ media conject the new ID.3 will be able to manage around 434km between charges with a 58kWh battery and entry 150kW electric motor.  

In the cabin, the central touchscreen will grow from 10 to 12-inches; this is also set to gain new infotainment technology and software designed to make it easier to use – addressing a common criticism of the existing car.

Imelda Labbe, Volkswagen marketing board member, said: “The new ID.3 demonstrates our commitment to quality, design and sustainability. The design has matured, and we’ve upgraded the materials used in the interior.

“The needs of our customers are always front and centre for us. That’s why we listen carefully and focus on gearing our product portfolio to their requirements.” 

While the interior sketch doesn’t give too much away, it appears new soft-touch materials will make their way into the interior. There also appears to be a new head-up display, and the central console now has two cup holders. VW says there’s also a removable luggage compartment floor to boost practicality.

Optional technology will include Travel Assist, which can help take the stress out of driving over long distances. This is a version of the same semi-autonomous tech announced for the VW ID.Buzz people carrier.

The Buzz uses ‘swarm data’ gathered from other vehicles to help guide the car even when there are reduced road markings.

 It’s also thought ID.3 will adopt Volkswagen’s Park Assist Plus feature, which can park the vehicle autonomously. When equipped with a ‘memory function’ it can also remember complex parking procedures over a distance of up to 50 metres, such as reversing into a tricky driveway and then a garage.