While the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo While it looks a lot like its predecessor ID.3 on the outside, the small electric hatchback has undergone a major overhaul on the inside as the German auto giant looks to right some of the mistakes it made with its electric vehicles (EVs).
After it was confirmed in 2023 that the ID.3 would come to market here, the Golf-sized electric car was off the table for our market in 2025. We have contacted Volkswagen Australia to confirm whether the ID.3 Neo update changes the calculation.
The Neo’s fresh interior addresses many of the usability concerns that owners had with the previous ID.3.
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There are now traditional power windows on the doors, a volume knob on the center console, and a set of knurled, metallic-looking rocker switches on the center console to control things like fan speed and cabin temperature.
Above that sits a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a row of anchored hotkeys at the base that control functions like air direction and seat heating.
There is a larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit instrument with a selectable analogue dial display.
In addition to the classic buttons and switches, the ID.3 Neo has, according to Volkswagen, “high-quality materials that have a pleasant feel.”
In front of the driver is a new steering wheel, which, in addition to conventional buttons, has a flattened rim at the top and bottom instead of touch-sensitive switches.
You can choose from 50 kWh and 58 kWh batteries with a maximum DC fast charging power of 105 kW, as well as a 79 kWh battery with a DC charging power of 183 kW. The maximum range is 630 km in the WLTP cycle.
There are also three rear-mounted electric motors to choose from with outputs of 125 kW, 140 kW and 170 kW – the latter is only available with the largest battery pack.
Volkswagen says: “Everything is new with the ID.3 Neo,” but externally it is still recognizable as an ID.3 with its tall body and short hood.
However, it retains design elements from Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language, most notably a redesigned front fascia similar to that of the upcoming ID. Polo and equipped with a continuous light bar.
The ID.3 Neo also features a body-colored roof, rear spoiler and trunk lid to “make it appear longer, flatter and more dynamic.”
Other changes include the addition of improved Connected Travel Assist with traffic light detection; an app store for the infotainment system; a one-pedal drive mode; and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality with an output of 3.6 kW, allowing you to power small electrical devices.
While the ID.3 has never been offered in Australia, the closely related Cupra Born has. It went on hiatus last year and the timing of its return has not yet been announced.
Like the ID.3, it also received a mid-life update with a refreshed exterior, a more user-friendly interior and new 58 kWh and 79 kWh batteries.
Volkswagen is launching a new ninth-generation Golf with an electric drive, although it is not expected to hit the market before 2028.
While the existing combustion engine Golf Mk8.5 will be sold alongside it, it’s unclear how much more runway the ID.3 offers, which will likely result in overlap with the new electric Golf.
MORE: Volkswagen continues EV reset, replacing ID.3 and ID.4 with “real Volkswagen”
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