Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Performance

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Performance was a cracking entry-level shot into VW's all-electric ID family. Positioned as an accessible electric hatchback, this specific trim offered a zippy rear-wheel-drive experience and VW's solid build quality. Though discontinued after a relatively short run ending in 2022, it packed a decent punch for city driving and shorter commutes. On the used market, you might snag one from around €17,499, making it a tempting proposition for first-time EV buyers in Europe looking for a slice of the future, affordably.

What's New for 2022?

For its brief 2022 model year appearance before discontinuation, the ID.3 Pure Performance represented one of the most budget-friendly ways to get into an ID.3. While not a ground-up revamp, 2022 ID.3s benefited from Volkswagen's ongoing software enhancements, often improving charging speeds, battery thermal management, and the slickness of the infotainment system. The Pure Performance itself, having launched in 2021, was still relatively fresh, offering a specific 45 kWh battery and 110 kW motor combo aimed at value-conscious buyers before VW streamlined its trim offerings later in 2022.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 Pure Performance rocks the familiar, friendly face of the ID. family – clean, smooth, and undeniably modern. It's a compact hatchback measuring 4261 mm in length, 1809 mm in width (mirrors aside), and 1552 mm in height, making it a doddle to park. As the entry-point, it typically featured simpler wheel designs, perhaps stylish aero covers or basic alloys, and standard LED headlights. Its distinctive, almost one-box silhouette looks futuristic without being shouty, making it a smart-looking EV about town, assembled in Germany and China.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the ID.3 Pure Performance boasts VW's minimalist and airy cabin design. Expect durable materials and a focus on practicality, fitting its entry-level status. There's seating for five, with decent passenger space for a car of its class. Luggage-wise, you get a useful 385 litres of boot space, expanding to a generous 1267 litres with the rear seats tumbled. A frunk isn't part of the deal here. Tech includes a digital driver’s display and a central touchscreen (typically 10-inch) with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Pure Performance trim is surprisingly nippy! With its rear-wheel drive setup powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, it puts out 110 kW (150 PS) and a very healthy 310 Nm of torque right from the get-go. That means a 0-100 km/h dash in just 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h – plenty for everyday driving and motorway cruises. Expect a comfortable ride, agile handling thanks to that RWD layout, and effective regenerative braking, especially in 'B' mode for some one-pedal feel.

Range, Battery & Charging

The ID.3 Pure Performance is fitted with a 45 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 298 km, which is pretty decent for city hops and daily commutes, supported by an efficiency of 6.62 km/kWh. For juicing up, it supports up to 7.2 kW AC charging via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning a full top-up overnight takes roughly 7 hours. When you’re out and about, it can gulp down electrons at up to 100 kW from a DC fast charger, getting you from 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big tick for the ID.3, with this Pure Performance variant sharing the family's impressive 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit typically included essential driver aids like Front Assist with emergency braking and Lane Keeping Assist. While it covered the crucial bases, more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring would likely have been part of optional packages on this more budget-focused trim, keeping the upfront cost down but allowing for upgrades if desired.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volkswagen generally offers a 2-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty in Europe for the ID.3, though some markets might extend this to 3 years. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is covered by a more extensive 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, guaranteeing at least 70% of its usable capacity. Maintenance is typically minimal for EVs; expect service intervals of around 2 years for checks, regardless of mileage. Complimentary maintenance isn't usually standard with VW in Europe, but running costs should be low thanks to fewer moving parts.