Whether you’re looking for a compact city car or a comfortable family run-around, Volkswagen cars are always popular. Now, as the brand moves into the electric vehicle market, its ID.3 model is proving a top option if you’re looking for a spacious and eco-friendly car.
However, with recent delays in the delivery of new vehicles, and chip shortages blighting the sector, the ID.3 might be off the table for now. So, what’s the alternative?
Below, we look at some of the best alternatives that go head-to-head with the Volkswagen ID.3 in price, performance and fuel economy.
View Volkswagen ID.3 Lease Deals
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The Vauxhall Corsa has topped lists of one of the best small cars for many years and its electric counterpart is no exception. On the outside, its design feels similar to the ID.3, but the Volkswagen has a more futuristic vibe.
Moving inside, the ID.3 is a favourite if you want plenty of passenger space. Plus, the boot size is pretty reasonable. However, in comparison, the Corsa-e does fall slightly at this hurdle. While the front seats provide ample room, the back isn’t entirely on the same level. That said, with some clever battery placement, Vauxhall has retained the same boot space as the standard car.
Up front, the ID.3 has a minimalist look and features a large infotainment screen alongside a smaller instrument display. But again, the Corsa-e differs in this styling, as there are more buttons and a slightly smaller screen in the central console.
Performance comparison
The Corsa-e is pretty peppy for a smaller car thanks to its 136hp electric motor. When you put your foot down, you’ll hit 60mph in around 7.6 seconds and achieve 260Nm of torque instantly. This pips the ID.3 to the post by just over a second. While the top speed is 93mph, slightly less than its VW counterpart, it’s undoubtedly ample for UK roads.
Another feature of the Corsa-e is the switch between driving modes. Sport Mode ups the ante to optimise the driving experience, while Normal Mode is perfect for everyday driving.
Economy comparison
Range-wise, the Corsa-e offers up to 222 miles on a single charge. If you want to go further, the ID.3 just tops this with a range of 259 miles. Both are pretty impressive for the size of the car and ideal for everyday driving conditions.
Charging each of these models on a fast charge takes around 30 minutes. At home, charges vary between models and power points, but the ID.3 charges between approximately six to nine hours. The Corsa-e is in the middle at 7.5 hours.
Price comparison
Both cars are of a similar standing price-wise. The higher the spec, the slightly higher cost, with the Corsa-e coming in at a cheaper option. To compare leasing deals, the Corsa-e starts at £375.99 per month against £406.99 per month for the ID.3.
View Vauxhall Corsa-e Lease Deals
Peugeot e-208
Peugeot’s small electric offering could be a great choice if you’re looking for a great alternative to the ID.3.
Its exterior is edgier compared to Volkswagen’s ID.3. Distinct bonnet lines and striking LED lights give it an impressive road presence. In addition, you get a slightly wider variety of colour choices, including Faro Yellow and Vertigo Blue – a nice change from VW’s more classic range.
Interior space is arguably in the ID.3’s favour when comparing the two cars. While the e-208 has ample room for people upfront, rear space is somewhat lacking. As a result, tall people might find their knees grazing the front seat. But like the Corsa-e, Peugeot has used great space-saving methods, so it doesn’t scrimp on boot space.
Both cars provide a high-spec infotainment system. However, Volkswagen’s 10-inch touchscreen outdoes Peugeot’s by a few inches. That’s not an issue though – with new 3D i-Cockpit® digital displays, the e-208 boasts modern and easy-to-use features and an instrument screen.
Performance comparison
The beauty of electric cars is they give you instant torque. Its 136hp electric motor packs an ample punch with 260Nm of torque, and if you put your foot down, 62mph is just 8.1 seconds away. Again, it’s faster than its VW counterpart, but its top speed is below the ID.3 at 93mph.
Economy comparison
EVs are a great way to save on running costs, so range is a big factor when it comes to getting a new car. The e-208 comes in at around 225 miles on a single charge, which falls below the ID.3.
When it comes to charging, both cars give similar timeframes. For example, a fast charge point will provide you with around 80% charge in 30 minutes. In comparison, plugging it in at home takes about seven hours.
Price comparison
For all the features and striking appearance, the e-208 gives you a good package for its price. For example, leasing costs start from £354.99 per month at Leasing Options. In comparison, you’ll pay over £400 per month for the lower-spec ID.3.
View Peugeot e-208 Lease Dealst
Nissan Leaf
Nissan is a strong contender in the electric car market, and its model – the Nissan Leaf, is an excellent example of its innovation. While it’s not as futuristic as its ID.3 rival, it does have sleek design features that give it an edge.
Its exterior showcases an angular-style front end, plus, you get the option of a contrasting roof colour if you fancy it. Overall, it’s subtle and the choice of colours gives it a classic look.
Moving into the cabin gives off the same vibe, but it has a good layout with some extra accents if you opt for the upgraded trim levels. Against the ID.3 infotainment screen, the Leaf does lack responsiveness and comparable size, but it’s useful for all the essentials and driver convenience features. Interior space and boot size are also reasonable for a car of this size.
Performance comparison
Off the mark, the Nissan Leaf undercuts the ID.3 by one second from 0-62mph. But top speed is a little less at 90mph. The car is powered by a 39kWh battery and achieves maximum engine power of just under 150hp – pretty good for a small hatchback.
Economy comparison
With up to 239 miles of range from a single charge, the Nissan Leaf is similar to the ID.3. However, this varies depending on your chosen model.
If you’re looking for a speedy charge, then the Leaf falls short of other models in the same class. A fast charge using a 50kW charger will give you up to 80% power in 60 minutes. That’s ideal if you’re plugging in while you shop, but not so much if you’re in a hurry. The Leaf takes about seven hours at home to get you back on 100%, similar to its rivals.
Price comparison
The Nissan Leaf is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable and stylish electric car. Models across the range are cheaper than the ID.3, with base trim levels starting at £319.99 per month. Even the range-topping models offer great value, starting from £395.99 per month.
Mini Electric
Minis are a popular hatchback, and while they’re reasonably small, they pack bags of personality. Aside from a few different accents, this model is practically the same as the standard car. Inside is also a similar story and the passenger space up front is comfortable.
Performance comparison
Up against the ID.3, the Mini Electric whizzes past the finish line in the 0-62mpg sprint in a reasonable 7.3 seconds. It’s pretty energetic as soon as you put your foot down, as the motor delivers 270Nm of torque. Overall, it’s fun to drive and has that charm of the brand behind it.
Economy comparison
Unfortunately, one of the downsides to the Mini Electric is the range capability. At just 143 miles, it sits around 100 miles less than its rival. On the plus side, it takes under four hours to power up at home.
Price comparison
With similar monthly leasing costs to other small hatchbacks, including the ID.3, the Mini Electric is a great alternative. However, with less space and range, other models could pip this model to the value for money top spot.
View Mini Electric Lease Deals
At a glance
|
Model |
Performance |
Economy |
Price (monthly cost through Leasing Options) |
|
Volkswagen ID.3 |
0-62mph – 8.9 seconds Top speed: 99mph |
259 miles (ID.3 Life Pro Performance model) |
From £406.99 - £489.99 |
|
Vauxhall Corsa-e |
0-62mph – 7.6 seconds Top speed: 93mph |
222 miles |
From £375.99 - £475.77 |
|
Peugeot e-208 |
0-62mph – 8.1 seconds Top speed: 93mph |
Up to 225 miles |
From £354.99 - £436.99 |
|
Nissan Leaf |
0-62mph – 7.9 seconds Top speed: 90mph *Acenta model |
Up to 239 miles |
From £319.99 - £395.99 |
|
Mini Electric |
0-62mph – 7.3 seconds Top speed: 93mph |
Up to 143 miles |
From £359.99 - £453.99 |
*prices subject to change
*Performance and economy figures shown are averages and are subject to several factors, including vehicle model, driving conditions, speed and optimum charge rates.
There are several great alternatives to Volkswagen’s ID.3. The examples above give insight into the driving experience, design and performance. But there are also many more options are available, such as the Honda E, Hyundai Kona and Renault Zoe.
Want to find out more? Contact our team on 0161 516 2430 to explore our small electric hatchback leasing deals.
