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Volkswagen's backflip on touch-sensitive interior buttons is evident in its updated electric model, the ID.3 Neo.
Electric Cars
A switch back to physical buttons for Volkswagen's interiors has been previewed by the recently-revealed Volkswagen ID.3 Neo for Europe.
It is expected the ID.3 Neo will heavily influence the next-generation electric Gold due around 2028, expected to indirectly succeed the current electric hatch.
The ID.3 Neo is the second model to implement a new interior design seen in the ID. Polo, intended as a response to criticism of touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, 'sliders' under the touchscreen, and a reliance on display-based controls.
Volkswagen's new interior reverts to physical buttons on the steering wheel, and for a row of shortcuts for climate controls now under the 12.9-inch infotainment display.
Touch-sensitive volume controls have been replaced by a dial, and moved to a central position.
The new two-spoke steering wheel features a flat top and bottom, and the gear selector is stalk-mounted. The 10.25-inch standalone digital instrument cluster features an optional analogue dial-style display inspired by older Golfs.
The next iteration of Volkswagen's ID.4 electric SUV, expected to be renamed ID. Tiguan, is likely to be one of the first Australian-delivered cars to get the new interior as it rolls out to other models.
The ID.3 Neo offers a choice of 50kWh, 58kWh and 79kWh batteries, rated for driving ranges up to 630km based on WLTP testing, depending on the grade.
There will be three variants offered in Europe: Trend, Life, and Style, which will develop 125kW, 140kW, and 170kW, respectively, from a single electric motor.
The Trend and Life variants will accept up to 105kW DC fast charging, while the Style is due to benefit from a more potent 183kW charge.
Standard is lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-centring assist, and a new 'one-pedal' regenerative braking function, plus 3.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability for running accessories and appliances while on the go.
Optional is a head-up display, a large panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, massage and memory front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic parking, and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier.
The ID.3 Neo is on sale now in Europe, but is not on the radar for Australia, as the ID.3 is not sold locally.
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