Volkswagen has revealed its ID.3 electric hatch in production form, marking the first of its new generation of pure electric vehicles.

The Volkswagen ID.3 has made its world premiere at Frankfurt

The first in the new ID series of EVs – which later include the Roomzz concept and the smaller Crozz SUV, the Buzz van/MPV, the Vizzion saloon revealed at last year’s Geneva and the Buggy; all of which are also built on VW’s MEB Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform – the ID.3 is named to both mark its lower-medium segment status and herald its importance as the “third major chapter” for the brand following the Beetle and the Golf. It’s also the first model to wear the brand’s new logo.

The ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic variant features a 45kWh battery, giving an official WLTP-rated range of up to 330 km (205 miles) and priced from under €30k (around £26,800). The 58kW first edition model – which opened for pre-booking in late spring and starts deliveries mid-2020 – offers an official range of up to 420km (260 miles) along with 310Nm of torque and a top speed of 160km (99 miles) while the 77kWh variant brings an official electric range of up to 550km (342 miles). The mid-range ID.3 can be charged at rates up to 100kW, giving a range of around 290km (180 miles) within 30 minutes.

Said to mark a new era for the brand, the ID.3 is also the brand’s first model to be carbon-neutral on delivery to customers while also introducing new features such as the Open Space concept, said to provide the model with more room than any other vehicle in its category.

It also heralds new digital display elements and controls, including a 10-inch central touchscreen that provides drivers with all key information and ID. Light functionality that uses an LED strip to warn drivers of dangers. All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch functions featuring touch-sensitive buttons; only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated using tactile switches.

Full UK details are yet to be announced but three trim levels will be offered for the first edition, with entry-level features providing a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.