“Oh no, another electric car… I wonder if he’ll go off on another rant about charging infrastructure?” I promise the answer to that is (probably) not.

This time, it’s the chance for the Volkswagen (VW) ID3 to impress or trigger a rant. I’ll be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect from this test drive after a few mixed experiences with EVs recently. But I love the brand – I’m a fan of VW and still miss my 2015 Tiguan.

The ID3 is VW’s entry-level electric offering – although I’m sure the ID1 and ID2 will appear someday – and it starts at a little over £35k, compared to its petrol equivalent, the Golf, starting at £27k. I think you expect to pay more for an EV – the running costs are going to save you money and with fewer serviceable parts, maintenance costs should be reduced too. I’m therefore comfortable with that price differential.

However, my review car cost a bit more at £48,540, but you could easily spec a Golf to the same price, so again, this can’t be held against it. While the £48k price tag is effectively acceptable on these grounds, it’s a big obstacle to get past, but let’s move on.

Practicality-wise, the boot was impressive, the rear legroom more than adequate for adults, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. Plenty of boxes ticked so far. Equipment was equally impressive – cameras including a bird’s eye view, which I always appreciate – and foldable armrests in the front. Simple, perhaps, but I do like an armrest! Satnav, Apple CarPlay and a decent stereo complete the expected setup. Now for the novelties – the differences you get with an electric car.

Minimalist but functional

The drive selector was a very cool twist device on a binnacle on the side of the dash display, which I really liked. The display itself was also cool – minimalist but functional, with display options to show your preference in terms of driving information, audio, navigation and car performance.

Exterior styling – another plus. I love the simple white badging – it sets the aesthetic off really well in my book. And the lines look good – recognisably VW, but with subtle design cues telling you it’s something a bit different to the ubiquitous Golf.

Then come the wheels – I have an issue with the wheel design on a lot of EVs. I suspect it’s because of aerodynamics, but EV wheels are often far smoother in design than my preference for a multi-spoke alloy you’d find on a conventional car. The wheels on this VW were largely flat and, at first, I didn’t like them. Though, to be honest, by the end of the week I was on board with them – a first for me!

On to the performance – and as a family hatchback EV, I knew it wasn’t going to set the world on fire. However, it was adequately swift off the line, handled well around bends, and overall was a joy to drive. Plus, it was surprisingly simple to charge using my domestic 3-pin power supply.

You may still be expecting me to say I didn’t like it? Well, I did – an electric VW that sits where it should for the money, performs well, handles everything nicely and is easy to keep charged.

Also, it has a realistic range – driving in real-world conditions, it still has a 300+ mile range, and for me, that’s the game changer. Would I buy one? I think I just might.