Volkswagen is giving the ID.3 a new name… but it still won’t be a Golf

"Volkswagen will transfer more established names to the electric portfolio with each new model generation," was the line that VW trotted out when it announced late last year that its ID.2all concept would make production as the ID. Polo.

And yet, it seems that all of that sensibleness has already been thrown in the bin, because the ID.3 is about to get a major refresh and a new name, but it still won’t be a Golf. D’oh!

Instead, Volkswagen has decided to christen it the ID.3 Neo. Good grief. Again, we refer back to what was said just a few months ago: “With this strategy, Volkswagen is bringing together the electric and combustion engine worlds, helping customers navigate the brand’s product range more easily in the future.”

Golf-shaped electric hatch getting a new name? It was literally an open goal.

Anyway, the new ID.3 Neo will be revealed at some point in mid-April, and we already know that it’ll get ‘the latest software generation’ that’ll add Travel Assist with traffic light detection and a one-pedal drive mode that slows the car using regen all the way to a complete standstill.

It’ll also get a new infotainment system (which will be the ID.3’s third since it went on sale in 2020) and we’re told that all electric Volkswagens will now get Vehicle-to-Load capability to power external devices. You’ll also be able to use your phone or smartwatch as a key.

“The new software generation brings more performance and an even better customer experience to the ID. models,” said Kai Grünitz, boss of technical development. “The new Volkswagen electric models in the small and compact vehicle segments – ID. Polo, ID. Polo GTI, ID. Cross – will also soon be launched on the market with these new innovations, offering more flexibility in everyday life and for leisure activities.”

Looks like the ID.3 Neo will also feature a few styling changes. The sketches above indicate a body-coloured roof and bootlid for the first time, as well as a slightly more generic and friendly face. Still definitely not a Golf, though.