John Challen takes delivery of our new ID.3 long-termer.

Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S 77kWh

OTR PRICE £43,275 | BiK 2% | RANGE 346 miles | ON FLEET RANGE 280 miles | EFFICIENCY 3.2mpkWh

First report:

There’s a new ID in town – and on the FW fleet – and it’s been quite a revelation, if I’m honest.

As the smallest member of Volkswagen’s electric family, the arrival of the ID.3 Pro S left me fearing the worst with five of us, including three growing Challen Jnrs.

In reality, I – and my passengers – have been seriously impressed with the relatively cavernous interior of the ID.3 as well as the quality and switchgear, which has undergone a bit of an upgrade since the original model. The main criticisms were that things had been stripped too far back and the controls were difficult to operate. Now, having taken a leaf out of the ID.7’s layout, elements such as volume and mirrors are much easier to adjust.

It’s often an overused phrase, but our ID.3 is probably close to fully loaded. As well as the standard kit there’s adaptive chassis control (£955), assistance plus (£2,240) and interior plus (£3,865) packs, carpet mats (£105), panoramic glass roof (795), variable luggage floor (£75) and a transport hitch for a bicycle carrier (£365). Add in the £810 colour scheme and this particular model comes in at £52,485 – quite the premium over list.

Out on the road, first impressions are positive, although the claimed economy of 4.2mpkWh doesn’t seem to be in reach right now. but most of the journeys in the ID.3 have been in and around town, which might explain that. With a few longer runs coming up, I’m hoping that the needle will shift a bit there soon.