The new Volkswagen ID.3 revealed at an event at Weston Airport, Dublin
The new Volkswagen ID.3 revealed at an event at Weston Airport, Dublin

Volkswagen Ireland gave us a preview of the exciting new ID.3 in Dublin. The ID.3 is a hugely significant vehicle being the first of a new generation of electric vehicles from Volkswagen. It’s built on the brand’s new modular electric drive matrix MEB platform and will be hitting Irish roads in summer 2020. Here’s what we learned:

Pre-orders and deliveries

Over 400 people in Ireland have already pre-booked the new Volkswagen ID.3 online. The word from Volkswagen Ireland is that if you want to drive this car in 2020, then you need to pre-order now as once the quota of vehicles allocated for Ireland is reached, bookings can no longer be made. Customers who pre-ordered will receive their cars first when the ID.3 arrives in Ireland in summer 2020.

Pricing

The ID.3 1st  edition will start from less than €40,000, ID.3 1st Plus from less than €45,000, and the ID.3 Max from less than €50,000. These are the models that will arrive in Ireland first with 58 kWh battery, a range of 420 km (WLTP) and 204 hp. The new Volkswagen ID.3 will cost under €30,000 for the entry-level 45 kWh car with 330 km range, after government grants. This model will arrive in Ireland at the end of 2020.

Finance

Aside from PCP and Hire Purchase, Volkswagen is also offering the new ID plan to help buyers finance the car. It’s a similar product structure to PCP but with a higher guaranteed future value, lower or no deposit, and 3 options upon contract end.

The interior of the new ID.3
The interior of the new ID.3

Specifications

We now know that in Ireland the ID.3 1st will have 18″ alloys, wireless app connect, navigation with Internet, 100 kw DC charging, hello ID voice control and the ID light. The 1st Plus will have 19″ alloys, privacy glass, matrix LED lights, bi colour appearance, rear view camera, design seats and interior ambient lighting with 30 colours. The 1st Max will have 20″ alloys, panoramic roof, BEATS audio sound system, augmented reality head up display, and comfort seats with massage function.

Colours

There will be four colours available: Makena Turquoise, Manganese Grey, Moonstone Grey, and Glacier White.

Charging

Charging varies from 80% charge in just 27 minutes at an Ionity charger or 5.5 to 8.5 hours at home. Through the Volkswagen We Charge card, buyers can avail of free public charging for one year or 2000 kWh.

The ID.3 1st edition is expected in Ireland next summer
The ID.3 1st edition is expected in Ireland next summer