► Most powerful version of VW’s ID.3 revealed
► GTX model has single e-motor, two power options
► Designed to be ‘a love story to the Golf GTI’
Could this be VW’s electric hot hatch? Say hello to the new, long-awaited Volkswagen ID.3 GTX. It’s potentially the ID.3 some will have been waiting for, promising a lot more performance and a bigger range to boot.
The trouble is, Cupra has slightly stolen Volkswagen’s thunder a little here as its Born VZ model has largely the same technology. Even so, Volkswagen has put some effort into the ID.3 GTX and the results don’t sound too bad at all.
An electric hot hatch? Really?
Well, as close to it as we can be with Volkswagen’s GTX branding. The name hasn’t gotten off to the best start with the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models being pretty lukewarm to drive, and the future GTX isn’t looking too certain after this generation of ID. cars goes away.
But VW will offer two versions of the ID.3 GTX and both will be rear-wheel drive: a 210kW (282bhp) model and a 240kW (322bhp) version. ‘Think of it like Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport,’ ’ says ID.3 product manager, Claas-Lennard Stöhr. ‘At first we had the 210kW version, but then we found such a solution that allowed us to go up to 240kW. Here we’re doing some things that we’ve never done before with a GTX model.’
And one of the biggest departures from the usual GTX fare is that the most potent ID.3 models are rear-wheel drive only after that breakthrough in electric motor technology. ‘The X in GTX doesn’t especially mean all-wheel drive,’ says Stöhr, ‘it’s the body design and the dynamic abilities. And this car [the ID.3 GTX] is kind of like a love story to the Golf GTI.’
Both models feature a new 79kWh battery pack and up to 175kW DC charging, and both generate 402lb ft of torque at their peak. The ID.3 GTX maxes out at 111mph, while the more powerful ID.3 GTX Performance tops out at 124mph, and Volkswagen says a maximum range of 372 miles is possible.
What else do you get other than power?
GTX models benefit from revised steering and specific chassis tuning right out of the box. Choose the ID.3 GTX Performance model and VW throws in a sportier version of the brand’s DCC adaptive chassis control and slightly slacker traction control.
Naturally, the GTX model benefits from a slightly more aggressive bodykit than a regular ID.3 and features the sub-brand’s triangular lighting signature that sits in the lower corners of the front bumper. Every GTX model features 20-inch wheels as standard.
Inside, GTX models get sporty seats in microfibre fabric and they also benefit from VW’s new-generation MIB4 infotainment system with its customisable screens and cleaner look. The tech promises much better processing power than the old system that launched on the original ID.3. Our tests so far conclude that it is sort of better than the old system, but still relies almost entirely on touchscreen controls. Here, the system is said to make its way onto UK cars, after facelifted ID.3 models were originally denied the new tech.
When can I get one?
Timings are TBC, with Volkswagen only confirming for now that the ID.3 GTX models will ‘have their market introduction this year.’