The electric hot hatchback market is continuing to gain momentum with models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, MG4 XPower and Kia EV6 GT all offering plenty of punch to go with their practicality. Now, though, the hot hatch veterans at Volkswagen are finally entering the ring with the VW ID.3 GTX Performance.
Unlike many of the newcomers, Volkswagen has a highly respected heritage in the hot hatch sector with the Golf GTI being hailed by many as one of the all-time greats. We’re yet to see this particular model reimagined as an electric car, though, so the VW ID.3 GTX Performance will be acting as the brand’s sole performance-oriented electric hatchback for now.
With 321bhp on tap, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance appears to be a bit lacking in power at first glance, especially when compared to the MG4 XPower’s 429bhp or the Ioniq 5 N’s 641bhp. However, this figure is 121bhp more than the second most-powerful ID.3. The GTX’s 565Nm torque figure is sizable, too - a jump of 255Nm.
These performance figures aren’t about to set records, but VW is placing more emphasis on the fun factor here rather than violently throwing occupants back into their seats. The ID.3 GTX Performance will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and its top speed stands at 124mph.
VW’s electric hot hatch claims a respectable 373miles between charges, too, thanks to its 79kWh battery pack. This is the largest unit to be offered in the ID.3 line-up to date.
Another sign of Volkswagen’s fun-focused approach is that the ID.3 GTX Performance sends 100% of its power to the rear wheels via a single rear-mounted motor, and its suspension has been tweaked to sit 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear. The GTX also gets a set of adaptive dampers (which can be adjusted to suit the current driving conditions) as well as reworked steering and wider wheels.
To help it stand out as the new range-topper, the ID.3 GTX Performance is adorned with a new front bumper, a tweaked rear bumper and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels. None of these changes are particularly revolutionary, though.
The changes are slightly more noticeable on the inside, as the GTX gets the same bucket seats as the Golf GTI Clubsport, only here they are upholstered in a unique black Dynamica fabric with red piping. This colour scheme continues throughout the cabin, and a 12-inch infotainment system acts as the centrepiece for the dashboard. The controversial slider controls also make an appearance, but they are backlit at least.
Only one variant of the ID.3 GTX Performance will be available when it arrives on 29 August, and pricing will start from £46,225. This is around £5,000 more than the Golf GTI Clubsport, and £1,600 more than the closely-related Cupra Born VZ.
The ID.3 GTX Performance: A Golf GTI in Electric Clothing?
The Volkswagen ID3 GTX is a big moment for Volkswagen – it can be viewed as a sort of trial run for the form a future electric Golf GTI might take. In the here and now, though, it exists alongside hot Golfs with petrol power, and in range-topping Performance form, early adopters will need to pay similar money to an optioned-up Golf R.
The GTX Performance gets a single motor sending 322bhp to the rear wheels, driven by a new 79kWh battery. That means it’s good for 62mph in 5.6 seconds, a figure that leaves it slap-bang in the middle between the recently-updated R and GTI versions of the Golf in terms of acceleration. Top speed, meanwhile, is a high-for-an-EV 124mph. It sits above a non-Performance GTX, which gets 282bhp and a 111mph top end.
As per usual for VW hot hatches, exterior changes are relatively subtle: the GTX gets new model-specific front and rear bumpers and side skirts, and standard 20-inch alloys. Inside, there are new sports seats, GTX-specific dashboard trim and lots of red stitching, because sportiness.
Is the ID.3 GTX Performance Worth the Price?
While pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the lower-powered GTX, the Performance starts at £46,225. That’s a considerably higher entry point than any hot Golf – the most expensive version of the Mk8.5 is the R estate, which starts at £44,685.
VW board member Kai Grünitz calls the GTX Performance an “electric counterpart” to the Golf GTI Clubsport, pricing of which kicks off at £41,655. We are, however, promised “the same fascinating lightness” under acceleration.
Perhaps the biggest point of comparison for the GTX Performance isn’t a Golf, though, but its identically-specced Spanish relative, the Cupra Born VZ. That car starts at £44,625 – would you spend nearly £2,000 more for a VW badge?
Final Thoughts: A Promising Start, But Not Quite There Yet
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance is a solid first attempt at an electric hot hatch, but it’s not without its flaws. The price tag is certainly a hurdle, and the performance isn’t quite as explosive as some of the competition. However, the ID.3 GTX Performance is a fun, engaging and practical car that offers a decent range. It’s likely to appeal to those who are looking for a hot hatch that’s a bit more refined and understated than some of the more outlandish offerings on the market.
Ultimately, the ID.3 GTX Performance is a promising start to Volkswagen’s electric hot hatch journey. It’s clear that the company is serious about making a splash in this segment, and we expect to see more exciting models from them in the future.
