Volkswagen has given a first glimpse of its forthcoming ID.2 compact electric car with the premiere of the ID. 2all concept.

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Due on sale in production form in 2025, the ID.2 will sit under the existing ID.3, rivalling the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e and with a starting price of less than €25,000 (£22,000).

One of 10 new electric models that Volkswagen will launch by 2026, the ID.2 will be based on the group’s MEB Entry platform, using a long wheelbase and very short overhangs to create a model that will be “as spacious as a Golf and as inexpensive as a Polo”.

It will also be the first MEB-based VW Group vehicle with front-wheel drive, marking the latest evolution of the platform. The front-mounted motor on the concept delivers 226hp, has a top speed of 160km/h (99mph) and a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds. Battery details are yet to be revealed but the concept has a claimed range of up to 450km (280 miles) and VW says charging technology is particularly efficient, giving a 10 to 80% charge in around 20 minutes.

Boot space for the concept is 490 to 1,330 litres, more than vehicles in higher classes and including a large stowage box. The rear seats fold 40:60 and there’s a lockable 50-litre stowage area underneath them, which can be used for the charging cable and breakdown kit, while also providing space for valuables such as laptops.

Conceived by Andreas Mindt, who took over as the new head of Volkswagen design on 1 February 2023, the concept also previews a new Volkswagen design language, based on the three pillars of “stability, likeability and excitement”.

Key elements include a new interpretation of the signature C-pillar design developed for the Mk1 Golf. Other design features include “a clear and powerful stance on the wheels, a friendly face, a good portion of dynamics and timeless elegance”.

The interior is focused on a clear design and high-quality appearance, plus a “self-explanatory infotainment system with classic volume control and a separate air conditioning block” – addressing concerns with the difficulty of using the infotainment systems in the ID.3 and ID.4.

The cabin also features two large inductive charging interfaces for smartphones, a new multifunction steering wheel, and a 10.9-inch “digital cockpit” with head-up display.

Technology features will cascade down from larger ID. models and include Travel Assist for partly automated driving, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, 3D LED tail-light clusters with horizontal LED strip between them, Park Assist Plus with memory function, ID.Light intuitive light signals for the driver and electric seats with massage function. A large panoramic sunroof will also be available.

Volkswagen’s plans for 10 new electric models by 2026 will also see the arrival this year of the new ID.3, the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz and the ID.7 saloon. This will be followed by a compact electric SUV in 2026 – the carmaker says it will have the widest range of electric vehicles compared with its competitors, and it’s also aiming to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe.