Volkswagen ID.3
VW turns over a new leaf
Could this be the car to save VW’S green reputation?
Well, forget ‘Dieselgate’ (God knows VW is trying to), because the ID.3 is claimed to be the first electric car that’s carbon-neutral through manufacture to delivery. It’s the German maker’s latest attempt at gaining forgiveness for the 2015 emissions scandal; and while it’s dabbled with EVS before, the e-golf merely proved that you can’t stuff batteries and motors into an existing shell and expect it to be a success.
So what’s different this time?
The ID.3 is the first model built on a new platform designed for VW’S next generation of electric cars. It’s a little bit shorter but wider and taller than the current Golf, and also draws some inspiration from the original Beetle (it’s rear-wheel-drive for a start) while simultaneously looking as futuristic as a Stormtrooper’s
Covid mask. There’s plenty of room inside for five adults, and a decent boot.
What’s it like inside?
The cabin is a cool place to be, fusing bits of modern furniture design with hi-tech touches like two large driver displays and a giant gear-selector module that lives behind the steering wheel.
Does it drive decent enough?
It sure does, sonny, packing that reassuring Volkswagen build quality and driving experience. Acceleration is fantastically quick, but it’s also composed and quiet at motorway speeds – something that can’t be said for some rivals. There are two battery options available (58 and 77kwh), with even the smaller of the two promising a range of around 260 miles. And after spending a few days with an ID.3, we can confirm that figure is pretty accurate.
Bugatti has unveiled its track-only Bolide concept: a 1842bhp monster whose numbers are enough to make the mind implode. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.17secs and maxes out at, wait for it, 310mph. Will it ever see the light of day? Only the extremely rich are ever likely to find out…
French teenagers rejoice! Citroen has announced details of its electric two-seater mobility solution dubbed AMI. A bit like a Twizy with proper doors, it’s accessible from the age of 14 in France and can be rented for just €20 a month. It’ll only hit 28mph, so this isn’t exactly one for the boy racers.
Audi is celebrating 40 years of Quattro models with a limited-edition €114,000 TT that will only be available to customers in Germany. Yes, it has all-wheel-drive and yes, it looks a bit like the be-winged Quattro S1… but come on, €114,000! That’s a mid-life birthday blowout and a half.