VW ID.3 GTX could well be the future benchmark for electric hot hatches

VW ID.3 GTX could well be the future benchmark for electric hot hatches

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‍Up to now, Volkswagen hasn’t shared any in-depth details regarding its ID GTI Concept, which was publicly unveiled in 2023. Despite this, it is reassuring to note that the esteemed GTI badge is poised to continue its legacy in the era of electric mobility. ‍

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That aside, the Wolksburg-based automaker has now unveiled its ID.3 GTX variant, which is essentially the high-performance EV version of its renowned Golf GTI. Just in case you are wondering what the GTX suffix is, it is a new designation for VW’s high-performance EVs, which is seen as a successor to the brand’s traditional performance nameplates such as GTI, GTD, and GTE. 

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The ID. 3 GTX, available in Normal and Performance variants, is what VW labels the electric counterpart to the iconic Golf GTI Clubsport. Both variants make use of the single most powerful electric motor ever developed in-house by parent company VW, which pushes out 282kW and 545Nm in the regular model and 240kW and similar torque figures in the latter, all delivered to the rear axle. 

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It will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds in the case of the regular GTX and 5.6 seconds in the GTX Performance version before hitting its top speed at 178km/h and 200km/h, respectively. VW asserts that the GTX's performance mirrors that of the Golf GTI Clubsport, which boasts a 2.0-litre TSI engine generating 195 kW (213 kW on overboost) and up to 380 Nm of torque, enough to help it accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. 

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Powering the electric motor is a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of 79kWh which supports DC charging at 175kW which will ensure recharging the battery pack from 10 to 80% in 26 minutes. VW claims the ID.3 GTX can travel up to 600km on a single charge. 

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In the looks department, the ID.3 GTX’s sporty etiquette is supplemented by a GTX-specific front bumper with a new independent black air intake in a diamond-style design, new daytime running lights on the left and right, and body black elements in a high-gloss finish, while it gets newly minted 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels.

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The interior design of the ID.3 GTX, as depicted in the available images, adheres to a minimalist aesthetic. This is characterised by a floating 12.9-inch infotainment system, a compact instrument display, a separate driving mode selector, touch sliders for volume and AC, sporty seats with integrated headrests, as well as red accents at various points, all contributing to the clean and uncluttered interior layout.

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As per industry speculation, the Golf 8 is anticipated to be the final ICE-powered model, and it’s expected that an electric version of the Golf will succeed the ID.3 in the VW lineup. Furthermore, reports state that the GTX designation, currently used for high-performance electric vehicles, will eventually transition back to the iconic GTI nameplate as part of VW’s effort to preserve the legacy and recognition associated with the GTI brand.

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All of this is anticipated to happen in 2026, when VW finally displays the production version of the ID. GTI performance model.  

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