“This is the Golf of Generation E.” – When VW unveiled the ID3 in 2020, the manufacturer did not skimp on big words. However, two years later, the electric debut from Wolfsburg is not as dominant as the former industry leader was for decades. Because the competition has not slept.
In addition, as a comparatively conventional compact car, it suffers badly from the ongoing SUV boom. So he loses many customers to models like the ID4 or the Skoda Enyaq from his own ranks.
But as the legitimate heir to the Golf, many still regard it as the benchmark for an electric family car and thus the most important electric car in the compact class. The following selection based on information from the respective manufacturers shows what it and similarly large electric competitors offer.
It was the first car on the VW Group’s MEB electric platform – and thus the initial spark for an entire fleet of electric vehicles from Wolfsburg. With a length of 4.26 meters, it is currently the smallest electric vehicle in the family and is currently only sold with 150 kW/204 hp.
But at least it offers two batteries to choose from at prices starting at 38,060 euros: There are 58 or 77 kWh, with which up to 550 kilometers are possible.
Unlike the sister brands Audi and Skoda, the Seat offshoot Cupra did not let itself be infected by the SUV trend with its first MEB car. Rather, it is drawn as a passionate compact sports car (“hot hatch”).
The Born is offered at prices from 39,370 euros with 110 kW/150 hp, 150 kW/204 hp or 170 kW/231 hp with battery packs of 45, 58 or 77 kWh for a range of more than 700 kilometers in the best case.
Renault puts the ID3 in the pincers with two models: the Zoe, which costs at least 36,840 euros and has an output of 80 kW/108 hp or 100 kW/135 hp, presses on it from below. It measures 4.09 meters in length and has a range of up to 395 kilometers with its 52 kWh battery.
And the 4.20 meter long Mégane E-Tech pushes from above. Because of its wide appearance, it almost goes through as an SUV – Renault calls it a compact crossover-style sedan. Prices start at 42,000 euros for a version with 96 kW/131 hp, a 40 kWh battery and a range of 300 kilometers. Alternatively, there are also variants with 160 kW/218 hp, 60 kWh and up to 470 kilometers.
Although they all look different, they use the same technology from the Stellantis group. They therefore always offer 100 kW/136 hp engine power and 50 kWh battery capacity. The somewhat smaller models from Opel and Peugeot have a range of 353 and 362 kilometers respectively.
The Citroën is larger and fits best in the Golf class. But it weighs more and can therefore only travel 350 kilometers. Prices for the 4.06 meter long Opel start at 33,895 euros. The Peugeot e-208, which is just as long, costs at least 35,350 euros: and the Citroën, with its 4.36 meters, costs from 36,140 euros.
The only German answer to the ID3 comes from England. Because there the BMW brand Mini also builds the liftstyle runabout as an electric car. With its 3.85 meters slightly shorter than the ID3 and on top of that only a three-door, it also offers less space inside.
However, the little one promises a little more driving fun, comes with 135 kW/184 hp and drives up to 233 kilometers with its 28.9 kWh battery. Its price: from 35,700 euros.
While Mazda sticks to the SUV with the CX-30 and Toyota with the bZ4X, the 3.89 meter long Honda is literally a classic compact. It is even considered by some to be a modern interpretation of the first VW Golf.
From 39,900 euros, it offers an output of 113 kW/154 hp, a battery with a capacity of 35.5 kWh and a standard range of 222 kilometers.
It was the first Stromer on the golf course, but has meanwhile lost its pioneering role and is lagging behind, both technically and visually. However, the 4.49 meter long Leaf comes closest to the idea of the classic compact.
It is now available in the second generation from 33,400 euros with 110 kW/150 hp or 160 kW/217 hp engine power and 39 or 59 kWh battery capacity (270 or 385 kilometers range).
Strictly speaking, the latest edition of the legendary Cinquecento is also a small car. But with a length of 3.63 meters, it is already a good competitor for the compact ones. And what it lacks in space, it makes up for in charm. And with openness.
Because as one of the very few electric cars, the Italian, which costs at least 30,990 euros, is also available as a convertible with a large soft top. In addition, he drives up not only as a normal three-door. In the 3 1 version, it offers an unconventional second door flap on the rear passenger side, which is hinged against the direction of travel.
Fiat also has several alternatives for the drive: There are batteries with 23 or 42 kWh, motors with 70 kW/95 hp or 87 kW/118 hp and ranges of 190 to 312 kilometers.
The 4.20 meter long Soul could be mistaken for a minivan. It starts at 40,290 euros and offers 100 kW/136 hp or 150 kW/204 hp, 39.2 or 64 kWh battery capacity and a range of 276 or 452 kilometers.
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