Australia’s finally getting a look at the version of the Volkswagen ID.3 that will arrive Down Under, as the Wolfsburg brand fixes some of the model’s initial problems with an update.
After complaints by media and customers regarding lagging software and ergonomic frustrations, Volkswagen promised it would address the issues in an update that has arrived sooner than originally planned.
The highlights of the updated VW ID.3 include a new version of Volkswagen’s multimedia operating system, now controlled with a larger 12.0-inch touchscreen (instead of 10 inches), updated interior materials, though its haptic touch points for functions such as climate control, remain.
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer acknowledged the poor functionality of VW’s new systems, noting previously that even the touch-sensitive controls in places like the steering wheel would be reverted back to push buttons for ease of use.
“We’ve got feedback from customers, we’ve feedback from clinics and from journalists. They say, ‘You know this is not good. You’ve got to improve this’,” he said.
“It’s not only the infotainment; you need to know what’s content and what’s user experience. It’s how do you know the touch and feel and the sliders and stuff around it.”
Mechanical specifications remain mostly the same, though Volkswagen applied the same charging rate changes to the ID.3 as with the larger ID.4, meaning its maximum rate has risen from 125kW to 170kW.
The VW ID.3 isn’t due in Australia until late 2024 or some time in 2025. It’s not clear which specifications will arrive, nor exactly when.
VW Australia director of passenger cars Michal Szaniecki told CarsGuide at the launch of the updated T-Roc in September 2022 that “the on-sale date for ID.3 is still to be confirmed for Australia”.
“Now, we will be waiting for the facelift to arrive, which should happen around 2024. It’s looking likely that this car won’t arrive in Australia until 2025.”
Keyword: ID change! 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 updated to address shortcomings, due in Australia by 2025 to battle MG4, Nissan Leaf and more