Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance was a cracking all-electric family hatchback, a real cornerstone of VW's electric ambitions in Europe. This Pro Performance trim, discontinued in 2023, hit a sweet spot, balancing zippy performance with a very usable real-world range. Key highlights included its spacious interior for a compact car and nimble rear-wheel-drive handling. As it's no longer new, you can snag one on the used market, with prices around €16,985 for this specification, making it an even more tempting proposition for those diving into EV ownership. It truly set the stage for VW's electric future.

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 ID.3 Pro Performance represents the final iteration of this specific configuration before a wider model update. For this outgoing version, which ceased production in 2023, changes were minimal, likely incorporating the latest software tweaks for the infotainment and battery management systems that Volkswagen rolled out over its lifecycle. These continuous refinements to the MEB platform ensured that even this concluding variant benefited from incremental improvements in efficiency and user experience, keeping it a strong contender in its class right until the end of its run.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 Pro Performance boasts a friendly, futuristic face with a distinctive front design and a smooth, aero-optimised body that screams EV. It’s a compact hatchback that looks thoroughly modern and clean. This trim typically featured stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, adding a dash of flair. Its city-friendly dimensions are 4261 mm in length, 1809 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1552 mm in height. It’s less shouty than some rivals, opting for an understated yet sophisticated electric vibe that still manages to turn heads. A smart-looking bit of kit!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the ID.3 Pro Performance, it’s all very minimalist and airy, thanks to that dedicated EV platform giving it a surprisingly spacious feel. You get a compact digital driver's display and a central 10-inch touchscreen handling infotainment, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is decent for a car this size, comfortably seating four. Boot space is a practical 385 litres, expanding to a generous 1267 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra odds and ends. Material quality is generally functional and built to last.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.3 Pro Performance is a proper little pocket rocket around town! With its 150 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sending 310 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, it scoots from 0-100 km/h in a nippy 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. Being rear-wheel drive, it feels agile and engaging, making darting through city traffic a joy. The ride is generally comfortable, and it’s impressively quiet. Selectable regenerative braking modes help you claw back some energy, making for a smooth and efficient, yet fun, driving experience.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing a 58 kWh usable battery, the ID.3 Pro Performance offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 365 km, which is pretty solid for daily commutes and even some longer journeys. Its efficiency is rated at an impressive 6.29 km/kWh. For home charging via its CCS Type 2 port, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger can top up the battery from empty in just over 5 hours. On the go, DC fast charging is supported at up to 100 kW, zapping the battery from 10-80% in approximately 35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong suit for the ID.3 Pro Performance, having scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. As standard, you'd typically find essential kit like Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking and Lane Keeping Assist to help keep you safe on your travels. Volkswagen usually offered more advanced systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving on motorways, and blind-spot monitoring, often bundled into optional assistance packages. So, while the core safety is excellent, some advanced tech might depend on the car's original specification.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Volkswagen typically provided the ID.3 with a 2-year, unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty. More importantly for an EV, the high-voltage battery was covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever came first, against excessive degradation (usually to 70% of original capacity). Maintenance is one of the perks of EV ownership – fewer moving parts mean less to go wrong, so no oil changes here! Volkswagen offered service plans for routine checks, and the ID.3 platform has generally proven to be a reliable choice in the electric market.