Volkswagen is venturing into the electric hot hatch domain with the ID.3 GTX, joining forces with the Cupra Born VZ. It offers two variants: a standard GTX and a more spirited GTX Performance boasting VW’s most potent electric motor to date.
Performance
Opt for the standard ID.3 GTX, and you’ll have a rear-axle electric motor delivering 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the Performance version, and VW boosts the power to 322 hp while retaining the same torque. Unsurprisingly, these enhanced performance stats align precisely with those of the Cupra Born VZ.
The back-wheel-drive sporty compact takes six seconds to reach 62 miles per hour from a standstill for the regular GTX, or 5.6 seconds if you opt for the GTX Performance. Speed tops out at 111 mph and 124 mph, respectively, with electronic limits. VW claims the more powerful of the duo is an electric counterpart to the front-wheel-drive Golf GTI Clubsport.
Battery and Charging
Both GTXs utilize a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of 79 kilowatt-hours. It backs DC charging at 175 kilowatts, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 26 minutes. When fully charged, the ID.3 GTX variants are projected to travel 373 miles in the combined WLTP cycle. The battery sits on the vehicle’s floor for improved weight distribution.
Exterior
Similar to the enhancements seen in the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX, VW has given the ID.3 GTX a refreshed appearance featuring a revamped front bumper with a larger air intake and a diamond-shaped pattern, complemented by boomerang LEDs serving as daytime running lights. At the rear, the performance variant boasts a diffuser with a glossy black finish to match the dark mirror caps, side sills, and window frame. Additionally, there are updated 20-inch wheels with 215-section tires on the GTX and wider 235-section rubber on the GTX Performance.
Interior
Inside, the ID.3 receives numerous red accents, including electrically adjustable sporty front seats with integrated headrests, GTX badging, and fabric crafted from recycled material. All ID.3 models will come equipped with a new 12.9-inch infotainment system and a separate driving mode selector lever on the steering column. Notably, the touch sliders for volume and AC, akin to those found on the recently released Golf Mk8.5, are now illuminated, adding to the overall experience.
The ID.3 GTX isn’t scheduled for release in the United States, at least for now. However, in the European market, it effectively contends with only one other model, the Cupra Born VZ. While the MG4 XPower stands as a direct competitor, boasting dual motors, all-wheel drive, and a robust 429 hp. Notable mentions among smaller EVs include the Abarth 500e and the forthcoming Alpine A290. Additionally, before the year concludes, anticipation surrounds the release of a John Cooper Works (JCW) iteration of the latest electric Mini Cooper 3-Door.
Looking ahead, VW has hinted at the possibility that the ninth-generation Golf, exclusively electric, may replace the ID.3, considering there may not be room for both in the lineup. Should this occur, the GTX would assume the mantle of the GTI, with the German automaker keen on preserving the renowned three-letter designation. This commitment is underscored by the trademarking of a new logo, where the “I” (traditionally representing injection) is substituted with a lightning bolt.
Source and Images: Motor1