For those seeking a larger battery, the ID.3 is also available with a 58 kWh battery pack and a more expensive 77 kWh option.

The Pure Performance Volkswagen ID.3 is currently available starting at 28,370 pounds (about $39,000), with two trim options: the less expensive entry-level City and the more design-oriented Style edition, which starts at 32,470 pounds (about $44,700) and up.

The new variants join the Pro, Pro Performance, and Pro S models already on sale in the UK. Topping the list is the VW ID.3 Pro S Tour Edition, which is more expensive at £39,290 (about $54,000), but benefits from a 77 kWh battery that offers a range of 336 miles.

VW has confirmed that the ID.3 will not be introduced in the U.S. While VW MEB technology could be brought to that side of the Atlantic in a future EV, American Volkswagen enthusiasts will have to make do with the ID.4 for the time being.

The VW ID.3 is an all-electric five-door family hatchback with potential mainstream appeal. Now that the price is lower, this car could increase that potential. The design is certainly practical, slightly larger than the VW Golf, and it has the looks to easily edge out familiar rivals like the Nissan Leaf and the more compact Renault Zoë.

VW produces the ID.3 in six different metallic finishes, all with a clean black roof and trunk lid, providing an interesting element of contrast.

The dramatic design ethos continues inside the VW ID.3, which features sleek edges with minimal buttons. Touch-sensitive controls and a digital dash make the VW ID.3 feel like it's ahead of the game, but for less tech-savvy drivers, it may present them with a bit of a steep learning curve.

The entry-level VW ID.3 City comes with a pretty good collection of on-board kit, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers, despite its cheap price tag. Also attractive are LED headlights and taillights, electric door mirrors, heated front seats, and a steering wheel.

Automatic dimming room mirrors further enhance driver comfort. Safety features include lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and pedestrian protection.

There is a 10-inch infotainment screen with voice control and wireless app connectivity in the front, and two USB-C ports in the rear. Occupants can also enjoy 10-color ambient lighting, offered as part of a lower-budget package.

Upgrading to the Style Edition, another pure performance model, offers several exterior touches that add even more edge appeal.

The most obvious additions are 18-inch "East Derry" alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, and an illuminated light band located between the headlights and the VW logo. Meanwhile, illuminated door handles, animated LED taillights, and smoked windows complete the exterior.

Inside, the number of ambient lights has been increased to 30 colors and there is a variable trunk floor for more dynamic storage options. It also comes with "Kessy Advance" keyless entry and two-zone climate control, which shortens the range by about two miles, but is enough to justify the additional expense.

UK owners can expect a full charge to take about 9 hours using a 7.2 kW home charger. However, if a 100 kW CCS charging point is available, a 50% charge will take just over 30 minutes.

Using the more common 50 kW public charging point, the VW ID.3 would require about 1 hour to go from 10% to 80%.

VW faces something of an uphill struggle to regain credibility in the wake of its massive emissions scandal and the 2020 ouster of Volkswagen Group Chairman Herbert Diess.

Moreover, VW's plans to build more than 50 electric vehicles have already been hampered by ID.3 production problems, software issues, and delivery delays.

Perhaps the appeal of less expensive models like the VW ID.3 City and Style models may help redress the balance somewhat, but it remains to be seen if they can replace the enduring appeal of iconic models like the Beetle and Golf. Nevertheless, a cheaper eclectic car with solid range and performance would be a welcome addition, and would certainly push the automotive world further down the path toward electrification.