The VW ID.3 Electric car is the first of a new generation of cars for VW and it looks distinctly Volkswagen but also different.

It’s a hard skill to make something totally new, yet familiar without upsetting anyone loyal to the brand and design ethos (just ask BMW who seem to upset everyone regularly with radical designs).

As well as the unique pleasing design the ID.3 also brings something that VW has been lacking – a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 that appeals to the same audience (where it joins the Polestar 2 in good company – check out my videos on both those car on the channel as well).

The interior of the car is very similar to the VW Golf 8 (check out my videos on the Golf 8) and instantly familiar but yet there are changes. The gear selector sits next to the steering wheel and the digital dashboard is smaller in size and attached to that same steering column.

The future starts when you try to drive off as there is no longer a need to press a start button (it is still there on the side of the steering column) as pressure sensors in the seat know your sitting in the car and automatically start the car up. Just turn the gear selector to drive and you will silently head off.

This is slightly disconcerting as you haven’t pressed a button or turned a key to start it but perhaps it’s more a case of comparing this car to all that history that VW has and the cognitive dissidence – your brain can’t be sure what feels wrong about it but it knows there is something. Something amazing.

This car can be specced with the latest technology which includes a head up display and AR navigation on the price list.

There are 9 different trim levels on the ID.3 all offering slightly different specs in the car and slightly different driving ranges (and prices).

In general the car is good for around 260 miles of WLTP range on the standard 58kWh electric battery. There is also a 77kWh battery with a range of 336 miles and a smaller battery size coming at some point this year.

Driving this car is a lot of fun as it’s rear wheel drive and you can feel that kick coming from behind you thanks to the 204bhp engine. Just push the accelerator pedal down and get that instant electric torque which takes you from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

The standard driving assistance features keep you in lane and safe and help avoid accidents.

And no car would be complete without wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

VW are onto a car that will push the mass market into electric cars due to the scale and brand and this is a brilliant start.