Volkswagen’s heavily upgraded ID.3 Neo heads on sale this week, bringing a premium cabin, smarter tech and a longer 390-mile range to the compact electric hatchback.

Now bearing the ‘Neo’ suffix to signal a total technological rebirth and a heavy facelift that fixes the primary complaints levelled against the original ID.3, it’s being treated as an official successor rather than a mid-life refresh.

Open for orders from 13 August, the revised model is priced from £33,080 OTR, which drops to £31,580 with the Government’s £1,500 Electric Car Grant.

Key changes include an overhaul of the interior to tackle criticism over the plastics and unlit haptic touch sliders. Instead, the new version gets a bank of ergonomic and easy-to-understand controls, handy buttons and intuitive rotary knobs to improve day-to-day usability, while fewer black gloss elements reduce the appearance of fingerprints while echoing the design of the range-topping ID.7.

The cabin also gets plusher materials for the dash, door panels and seats, while the 10.25-inch driver’s display and 12.9-inch infotainment screen can be switched to retro mode – as with the forthcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo and ID. Cross.

The makeover also extends to the exterior, which uses Volkswagen’s new ‘Pure Positive’ design language and features redeveloped headlights, an illuminated VW logo and narrow LED strips, already seen in models such as the Tiguan and ID. Polo.

Volkswagen is also introducing a new colour – Norwegian sea blue – while swapping the old black roof and tailgate for a single, body-coloured design makes this the sleekest ID.3 model to date.

The powertrain setup for the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo has been overhauled with more efficient electric motors, increased power outputs and upgraded battery options. These changes translate directly to longer ranges and faster charging times across the line-up.

In terms of batteries, the ID.3 Neo marks the arrival of three new, more efficient batteries: 50kWh, 58kWh and 79kWh. Each battery has a longer range than its equivalent predecessor. The 50kWh version is married up with a 170hp motor for up to 258 miles of WLTP range and 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. The 58kWh pack is combined with a 190hp motor and delivers a range of up to 306 miles and a 0-62mph sprint of 8 seconds. At the top of the line-up, the 79kWh battery feeds a 231hp motor and is capable of up to 390 miles and 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds.

DC charging rates vary from 100 to 183kW, which means topping up the battery from 10 to 80% takes from 26 minutes.

For the new entry-level 50kWh and mid-tier 58kWh versions, Volkswagen’s PowerCo subsidiary has shifted away from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) to LFP battery chemistry, which lowers vehicle production costs while boosting long-term durability and allowing frequent charging to 100% without accelerating battery degradation.

The flagship 79kWh model retains nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry to optimise energy density and cold weather performance.

New features on the ID.3 Neo include one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates energy into the battery when braking until it comes to a standstill. Customers can order an optional vehicle-to-load adapter, which can be used to power external devices such as electric grills and e-bikes directly from the high-voltage battery.

Tech upgrades include enhanced Travel Assist with traffic light detection. The car also has Volkswagen’s new Innovision infotainment system, which promises improved usability and performance, seamless device integration, and an in-car shop for additional apps and features such as games.

Grade line-up has been revised for a streamlined approach. Trims span Life, Style and a limited-run Style Launch Edition, priced from £33,080, £38,500 and £39,750 respectively.

The Life trim focuses on function and comfort. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, a 12.9-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation and IDA voice assistant, and wireless charging with AppConnect.

Style promises further sporty design elements and more technology as standard, including Keyless entry and start/stop, heated front seats and steering wheel, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, privacy glass, and Sports comfort front seats with ArtVelours upholstery.

The Style Launch Edition adds features such as a head-up display, panoramic glass roof, electric front seats with massage function, Travel Assist 3.0 and Park Assist Pro (for remote and memory parking) to its already impressive list of standard equipment.

Volkswagen ID.3 Neo Trims and Prices