New VW ID.3 Neo gets longer range and brings back physical buttons

• Prices start at £33,080, on sale 13 August

• Three power outputs to choose from, range of up to 390 miles

• ID.3 Neo takes on Cupra Born, Kia EV4 and Renault Megane E-Tech

Volkswagen has given the ID.3 its second major update, introducing a new ID.3 Neo name alongside longer range, improved technology and the return of more physical controls. The revised electric hatchback also gets fresh styling inside and out as VW responds to customer feedback and growing competition in the EV market.

The changes come just three years after the ID.3 received its first facelift in 2023, making a second substantial overhaul relatively unusual for a car of its age. This time, Volkswagen has concentrated on making the ID.3 easier to use, with updated software, revised infotainment and changes to controls that address some of the biggest criticisms of earlier cars.

There are improvements beneath the surface, too, including updated batteries and greater efficiency that help the ID.3 Neo achieve up to 390 miles of range. Volkswagen has also simplified the model line-up in an effort to make choosing an ID.3 more straightforward.

The Neo name distinguishes the latest model from earlier versions of the ID.3, which first went on sale in 2019 and marked the beginning of Volkswagen’s current generation of dedicated electric cars.

VW ID.3 Neo price and release date

Order books for the VW ID.3 Neo opened on 13th August. Prices start at £33,080 for an ID.3 Neo Life and £38,500 for a Neo Style. A limited-run Style Launch Edition model starts at £39,750. However, all ID.3 Neo models qualify for the government’s band two Electric Car Grant of £1500, dropping the starting price of the ID.3 Neo range to £31,580.

VW ID.3 Neo electric motor, battery and range

The ID.3 Neo features the latest motors and batteries developed for its MEB modular platform used for a whole host of electric cars from VW, Audi, Skoda and Cupra. The range starts with a 50kWh battery and rear-mounted 170PS motor, giving a range of up to 258 miles and 0-62mph sprint time of 8.6 seconds.

Next is a 58kWh battery and 190PS motor, which increases range to 306 miles and drops the 0-62mph time to 8.0 seconds. Range-topping models get a 79kWh battery and 231PS motor, with a range of up to 390 miles and 0-62mph time of 7.1 seconds. VW claims all ID.3 Neo models have longer ranges than their predecessors, and all models can complete a 10-80% DC charge in less than 30 minutes.

VW ID.3 Neo design, interior and space

To keep things looking fresh on the outside, the ID.3 Neo gets redesigned LED headlights, which are narrower than before and joined by a lightbar running beneath them. This lights up on higher trim-level cars. The VW logo lights up, too, bringing the car’s look in line with the firm’s newest models, including the ID.Polo. There’s also a new colour – Norwegian blue – and the ID.3 no longer has a contrasting black roof and tailgate.

Inside is where VW claims to have really listened to its customers, reintroducing buttons and knobs for key controls that were too distracting to use via touchscreen when driving. Gloss black trim has been reduced, too, while new materials have been added to the doors, dashboard and seats.

Bootspace remains unchanged with a 385-litre capacity with the rear seats up, or 1267 litres with them folded down.

VW ID.3 Neo technology, equipment and infotainment

New for the ID.3 Neo is improved Innovision infotainment software, which Volkswagen says dramatically improves usability, and a number of tweaks to the safety kit.

Tech advances include Connected Travel Assist, which is an optional extra, and can detect traffic lights, giving the car the ability to automatically stop itself at a red light. One pedal driving is now available, as is improved lane assist which automatically steers the car to keep it in its lane when travelling at over 40mph.

Also on the options list is a Vehicle-to-load (V2L)l adapter that lets you use the charging socket as a 3.6 kW power source to charge e-bikes or run other external devices.

VW ID.3 Neo trim levels

To keep things simple, VW has slimmed down the ID.3 Neo range to just two core models – Life and Style. Life models include adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, a 12.9-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless charging. All three battery options are available with this trim.

Style comes with either of the two larger batteries, and adds keyless entry and start/stop, heated front seats and steering wheel, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and sports front seats.

For a limited time, there’s also a Style Launch Edition, based on the 58kWh 190PS model. This adds a head-up display, panoramic glass roof, massaging front seats and Park Assist Pro that allows you to park the car remotely, which is handy in tight spots.