The Volkswagen ID.3 range has been expanded thanks to the introduction of two new variants, both of which have the lower power, smaller battery Pure Performance powertrain. Called City and Style, they bring the entry-level price for an ID.3 down to £28,370 after the plug-in car grant (PiCG).

The ID.3 was already available at just under £30,000 after the plug-in car grant, but with the introduction of the new Pure Performance powertrain, VW has been able to knock a bit more off the price. There’s not a huge loss in performance or range, either.  

Pure Performance powertrain 

At the heart of these new models and their lower prices is the Pure Performance powertrain. The major point of difference is the battery, which now has 45kWh net capacity vs. the previous smallest 58kWh. It’s obviously not a massive loss in terms of capacity, and it also has the benefit of reducing the ID.3’s overall weight.  

As such, the ID.3 City Pure Performance version has a WLTP range of 217 miles – just 50 miles less than its larger capacity sibling. What’s more, the Pure Performance battery can still charge at up to 100kW, adding 137 miles in 30 minutes. On a 7.2kW domestic wall box, it can be fully charged from five to 100 per cent in around 7.5 hours.  

Complementing the smaller battery is the lower-powered motor setup which is shared with the ID.3 Pro. With 143bhp and 200lb-ft going to the rear wheels it dispatches 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds (faster than the 58kWh Pro-spec cars) and matches the 99mph top speed of the rest of the ID.3 range.  

New spec levels  

Even in its lowliest City spec level, the ID.3 has a decent array of features for the £28,370 price tag. As standard it gets a 10 inch Discover Pro Navigation infotainment system and a Comfort Package. This adds heated front seats and steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, two USB-C ports and door mirrors with integrated projection lights.  

LED headlights and taillights are standard, as is driver assistance including adaptive cruise control with front assist as well as a driver alert system, lane assist, forward collision warning and extended proactive pedestrian protection. Parking sensors both front and rear are standard.  

For £32,470, the ID.3 Style gets a few more features including 18 inch alloys, whilst a standard Design Package gives it IQ.Light, LED matrix headlights, 30 colour interior ambient lighting, tinted windows and an illuminated light band on the front of the car. Comfort Package Plus ups convenience and comfort thanks to two-zone climate control, keyless entry, illuminated door handles, a variable boot floor and reversing camera.  

Availability 

Both the City and Style variants of the Volkswagen ID.3 with the Pure Performance powertrain go on sale on March 15 with the aforementioned prices of £28,370 for the City and £32,470 for the Style (including PiCG).