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This is the car for you if… you want to be one of the first to drive Volkswagen’s revolutionary new electric car

The ID.3 is probably one of the most talked-about car launches in EV history – and not just amongst electric car fanatics. Of course, Volkswagen is no stranger to electric cars; with two vehicles already on the roads: the e-Golf and e-Up! But what’s so exciting about the ID.3 is that it's the first in Volkswagen’s new range of electric cars.

Unlike the e-Golf and e-Up! which adapted existing models to work with an electric powertrain, the ID.3 – and future models in the ID range – have been rethought entirely from scratch as electric vehicles. And there won’t be any petrol or diesel variants available.

So, what does this mean in reality? Well, let’s start by looking under the bonnet. Or under the floor, in the case of the ID.3. The 62kWh batteries are built into the ID.3’s underbody, which doesn’t just free up space in the interior but lowers the car’s centre of gravity. That makes for a nimbler drive and tight gripping on corners

The ID.3’s modular electric drive matrix (‘MEB platform’ for short) is the heart of VW’s new electric range – and it’s a thoroughly tried and tested powertrain. It’ll be used by other cars in the ID range, along with those produced by other brands in the VW Group, like Skoda and Seat.

From the exterior, the ID.3 is clearly Volkswagen in appearance: stylish, sturdy and understated. VW’s never been a flashy brand to drive, but that’s why so many drivers love it. The ID.3 is true to the brand in this way.

A family hatchback, it’s a slightly bigger and softer version of the Golf. It looks modern – with LED lights and a contrasting black roof – but not futuristic.

Inside, VW has kept it simple with a choice of a black or grey interior (a broader range of colours and styles are available as optional extras). Besides a 10-inch touch screen display – which is available with an infotainment package – there’s minimal distraction with only a wide centre console and storage on show. Combined with the longer wheelbase, it helps to make this five-seater feel more spacious and airier inside than others in its category.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. So, you can call your kids on the drive home, listen to your saved podcasts or tune into your favourite radio station. Plus, you have voice control, DAB radio and a digital dashboard.

There’s also the all-new ID. Light – an LED strip that runs beneath the windscreen and which can change colour and movement. For instance, turning red if you need to brake urgently. And indicating which way to turn when following navigation instructions.

With a WLTP driving range of up to 265 miles, the ID.3 can comfortably get you from Liverpool to London on a single charge. Which makes it a big win for families who don’t want to make frequent charging stops. Other family-friendly features include a range of driver assistance and safety technologies. The car will automatically brake, for example, if it detects a passer-by getting too close to the car.

But will the ID.3 ever be as iconic as the VW Golf or Beetle? It’s obviously far too early to tell. But what we do know is that it’s certainly generating a buzz – and for very good reason. This family all-rounder is innovative, practical and stylish. And it could shake up the hatchback market, which has been dominated by the Nissan Leaf to date. Watch this space…

You’ll like the Volkswagen ID.3 if you… are a diehard VW fan that has been holding out to go fully electric.