2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX hot hatch revealed

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX electric hot hatch has finally made its global debut and will be released Down Under next year, packing up to 240kW/545Nm courtesy of a single-motor powertrain shared with the latest Cupra Born VZ.

Two versions of the rear-drive GTX will be offered globally: the 210kW/545Nm base version and the flagship 240kW/545Nm Performance, with both drawing current from an 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

VW claims the entry version will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds flat and reach 180km/h, whereas the Performance stops the clock in 5.7sec – not far off the Hyundai i30 N DCT (5.4s) and significantly faster than the Mk8 Golf GTI (6.4s). Top speed is listed at 200km/h.

The generously-sized battery pack combines with the efficiency of a single-motor powertrain and slippery body to offer approximately 600km of range (WLTP) before needing to be recharged, something that can be done at up to 175kW when using DC power.

Doing so will take the battery from 10-80 per cent in a claimed 26 minutes.

Beyond the sporty powertrain, the GTX has an exclusive chassis tune comprising new springs, dampers and sway bars as well as a reworked electronic power steering system.

The Performance version goes one step further with specially tuned adaptive dampers (DCC in VW-speak), controlled via an updated Vehicle Dynamics Manager.

Wearing an exclusive body kit, unique front and rear aprons, bladed 20-inch alloy wheels and a variety of black exterior trim bits, it’s unlikely the GTX twins will be mistaken for a regular ID.3.

The sporty vibes are even more apparent inside the cabin, where you’ll find premium sports seats, red highlights and stitching, recycled fake suede and leather upholstery, a 12.9-inch infotainment interface with new menus and ChatGPT AI functionality, black headlining, alloy pedals and a sports steering wheel.

Standard driver assist tech includes cruise control (adaptive cruise to be optional), autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, lane assist, oncoming vehicle braking when turning function and dynamic road sign display, and Car2X traffic hazard alert.

VW Australia is yet to confirm launch timing for the GTX and GTX Performance, but they’re expected follow the regular ID.3 range that’s scheduled to arrive in the final quarter of this year.

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