Volkswagen ID.3 Pro

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro (2023-2024) is a cracking all-electric family hatchback that really nailed the brief for practical, zero-emission motoring in Europe. As a key trim, the Pro offered a fantastic balance of range, performance, and features. Although now discontinued, you can snag one on the used market for around €26,780. It was a solid contender, giving rivals a serious run for their money with its user-friendly tech and spacious cabin, all built with German and Chinese precision. It’s a sensible yet stylish choice for those looking to go electric without breaking the bank.

What's New for 2024?

The 2024 ID.3 Pro represents the final iteration of the facelifted model first introduced in 2023. This refresh brought some welcome upgrades, sharpening up the exterior looks with revised bumpers and lighting signatures. Inside, VW addressed earlier criticisms by stepping up the material quality, making the cabin feel a bit more premium. The infotainment system also saw improvements, with a larger standard 12-inch touchscreen becoming available and updated software for a slicker user experience. Essentially, the 2024 Pro benefits from all these maturing enhancements, making it the most polished version before its discontinuation.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 Pro sports a clean, modern hatchback design that’s instantly recognisable as part of VW's electric family. The 2023 facelift gave it a slightly more assertive front end and tidier details. As a hatchback, its dimensions are city-friendly: 4264 mm long, 1809 mm wide, and 1564 mm tall. The Pro trim usually features stylish alloy wheels, distinct from entry-level versions, and full LED lighting adds a touch of class. It’s a familiar shape, but with those futuristic EV cues like the short bonnet and aero-focused lines, looking smart on European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the ID.3 Pro and you’ll find a minimalist, airy cabin with seating for five. The facelift brought nicer, soft-touch materials which is a definite plus. Passenger space is pretty decent for a hatchback. For your kit, there's a practical 385-litre boot, expanding to a useful 1267 litres with the rear seats folded down. Sadly, no frunk for extra gubbins up front. Tech-wise, a clear digital driver’s display and a central touchscreen (often 10-inch, with a 12-inch option/standard on later models) run VW’s infotainment, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.3 Pro is no slouch, zipping from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.3 seconds. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sends 150 kW of power and a healthy 310 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, making it quite engaging to drive. Top speed is capped at 160 km/h. Being rear-wheel drive, it offers a balanced and agile handling experience, ideal for nipping around town or cruising comfortably on the motorway. The ride is generally composed, and regenerative braking helps to claw back some energy, with different modes to suit your preference.

Range, Battery & Charging

Rocking a 58 kWh usable battery, the ID.3 Pro offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 370 km – plenty for most daily drives and even some longer jaunts. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 6.38 km/kWh. For charging, it uses the common CCS Type 2 port. At home or work, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger can top it up from empty in around 5.5 hours. When you’re out and about, it can guzzle electrons at up to 120 kW from a DC fast charger.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong suit for the ID.3 Pro, backed by an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes loaded with a good suite of driver-assistance systems. Expect features like Front Assist with emergency braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and driver fatigue detection as standard. Many Pro models will also include Adaptive Cruise Control, sometimes bundled with traffic sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert are often available too, either standard on higher Pro specs or as part of optional packs, helping you stay safe on those busy European roads.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Volkswagen typically offers a 2-year, unlimited kilometre warranty for the ID.3 Pro, which is fairly standard. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets a more substantial 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% of its usable capacity. Paintwork is usually covered for 3 years and the body for 12 years against rust-through. EVs generally require less maintenance than petrol cars, meaning fewer trips to the dealer. While complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't always standard across all EU markets for VW, check local dealer offers for specifics on this reliable electric hatch.