Volkswagen has produced some of the most impressive new and used cars in Abu Dhabi. It started a revolution in the automotive industry with its Volkswagen Beetle which became known as the people’s car and is still an iconic car. Now, Volkswagen is doing the same with its brand new Volkswagen ID.3, which can be termed as the new people’s car. CarSwitch.com delves into the details.
The final Beetle rolled down the production line this year and we must admit that it was an emotional goodbye as Beetle is a legendary car of the past. However, it is pretty clear that the future is electric. The Volkswagen ID.3 is the ideological successor of Volkswagen Beetle and caters to the environment-friendly mobility of this new era.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is based on the latest modular MEB electric car platform. Taking the shape of a conventional five-door hatchback, it has a range of up to 342 miles. However, the range depends on the battery option chosen.
Owing to its electric architecture, the packaging of the ID.3 gives it an edge. It gets a compact battery system and is paired with a 1-speed gearbox. The electric battery has been fit into the underbody whereas the auxiliary units such as steering rack and AC compressor are fixed in the front. and it weighs around 1,719 kg.
The new ID.3 will come with 3 battery options once the production begins. As per the Europeon WLTP standard, the base trim will carry a 45 kWh battery which gives a range of 205 miles per single charge. The mid-level trim will consist of a 58 kWh battery with an autonomous range of 261 miles however this one is only available for the ID.3 1st launch edition. The top of the range trim will have a 77 kWh battery which will provide a range of 342 miles on a single charge. It can be charged for about 80 miles in 30 seconds with a 100 kW fast charger.
Coming to the performance, the ID.3 benefits from the battery being in the rear-axle as it allows it to accelerate swiftly. It pushes out 201 bhp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Although, no acceleration figures have been quoted as yet, the top speed is claimed to be 100 mph.
The interior of this latest ID.3 is equipped with heated front seats, satellite navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheels and loads more. Parking camera, keyless access and system start, more refined upholstery, matrix LED lights, tinted windows, 19-inch wheels as well as adaptive cruise control will be added to the pricier Plus model. The top of the line model 1st Max will get a heads up display, panoramic roof, 20-inch wheels and a Beats Premium Audio System. Volkswagen has even guaranteed the battery pack for 8 years or 99,500 miles.
Recently, Volkswagen’s ID.R EV set a new record at Goodwood Festival and for some time, the automaker has been showcasing some impressive electric cars as well as electrified concept cars and the all-new Volkswagen ID.3 is certainly one of them. Even though the production does not start till the end of this year, more than 30,000 units of this new people’s car have already been pre-booked.
This electric vehicle will reach the European market in mid 2020. However, it will not be available in the US. This means that we might have to still stick to new or used cars in Abu Dhabi for now. We have yet to find out if it will arrive in the UAE. If you’ve been searching for the perfect car, CarSwitch.com can help!
