VW NZ is focussing on mainstream models but, if Australia picks the hottie, maybe that’ll help its introduction here.

MIGHT Australia avail a helping hand in adding spice to availability arrangement for Volkswagen’s ID electric models here?

When speaking from Germany last week during a trip where tick-offs including resolving the long-standing vexation about securing electric product, VW New Zealand boss Greg Leet indicated he was close to resolving a launch schedule for the new line but also added this national rollout would not include the extra-sizzle all-wheel-drive GTX.

His suggestion was that, when his Auckland operation shares a firm plan within a couple of months in respect to sales intent for at least one vehicle from the ID family of fully electric passenger models on which the parent brand has pinned its future, the push would restrict to mainstream editions with rear-drive.

Today, however, a media outlet in Australia has indicated the electric Golf GTI and R equivalent may launch as soon as next year alongside the hatchback's mid-life update.

If VW Australia has interest, then it’s good news for us.

The volumes our neighbour aims for are much tastier to car maker’s head offices. When they give the tick to Australia, it makes it much easier for Kiwi distributors to piggyback.

Drive.co.au was quoting a report from a UK publication, Auto Express, that says Germany has said the ID.4 GTX, pictured today, that’s basically an equivalent of the Tiguan R and R-Line will be joined by an ID.3-based equivalent. This is timed for when ID.3 undergoes a facelift.

The all-wheel-drive ID.3 was confirmed for production last year, however the outlets say this represents the first indication of when it's due to launch.

A concept revealed last year was powered by two electric motors and a 77kWh battery for outputs of 245kW and 460Nm, however it’s thought the iD.3 GTX will take the 220kW dual motor used by the larger ID.4 GTX.

The standard ID.3 runs a 150kW single electric motor married to either a 58kWh battery or a 77kWh pack, depending on trim level.

The GTX models have larger wheels than the standard cars and enhanced brakes, plus adaptive sports suspension and a spread of styling effects to lend a sporting flavour.

The ID.3 and ID.4 have been in production for more than a year, and VW here believes around 40 ex-United Kingdom examples are already driving on NZ roads, these having arriving via grey import channels.

VW NZ had hoped to have ID on sale more than a year ago, but the brand’s insistence on building the car for just one right-hand-drive market, the UK, and otherwise primarily restricting availability to Europe, so as to avoid emissions penalties, derailed that plan.

Since then, coronavirus-associated restrictions on semiconductor computer chips and the disruption to availability of wiring looms from Ukraine, where many of VW’s suppliers base, have also played havoc, not just with its EVs but almost all new product.