A good few years ago I penned an article that said ‘the future is electric’ – even though, as a dedicated petrolhead, I had to grit my teeth while tapping it out on the keyboard but, if the only constant is change, then electric is moving ever closer to being a way of life.
This was suitably reinforced on a recent quick drive in the Volkswagen ID.4 that will become the company’s first full entry to the market – and I say become, as the units currently being driven by media, fleet owners and selected private buyers will enter showrooms only in 2026 (in the latest, updated guise).
We have a huge selection of Volkswagen models - one to suit your taste
Although globally committed to going fully electric throughout its range, the local introduction is being handled by Volkswagen on a carefully plotted route. It previously had some ID.3 models on local test and overall response and reaction to the ‘electric Golf’ showed there was a clear preference for SUV styling versus the hatchback.
While not a full-blown SUV, the ID.4 stands a bit taller than a conventional hatch and has the classic lines of a SUV, albeit with a slightly lower and more svelte roof line.
In terms of size, it is 4,5 metres long, 1,8 metres wide, 1,6 metres tall and has a wheelbase of 2,7 metres with enough in the rear to swallow 543 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place or 1 575 litres when they are folded flat.
Finance - we can help just click here
Globally, Volkswagen is committed to moving its entire range to electric and, unlike some other companies, is not involving itself in other alternative energy solutions.
Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), Martina Biene says: “The company has made a strategic decision and the infrastructure for electric vehicles is largely in place and still growing throughout Europe, China and the United States. We, therefore, see no reason to become involved in technologies such as hydrogen and fuel cells that require the setup of a completely new infrastructure.
“We appreciate and understand the problems that exist in South Africa and the rest of Africa for that matter, which is why we are taking a step-by-step approach with our electric introduction to ensure we can provide what the country needs and at the best possible price.
“Still, we have at least 10 years of Polo manufacture at our Kariega plant.”
Click here to see our insurance deals
The Polo is built on what VW terms the AO platform and she said there was increasing co-operation with VW in Brazil where it builds a SUV version on this platform and added “watch this space” when asked if that would become an option here in South Africa.
“We also have a number of the ID Buzz cargo vans being thoroughly tested around the country in partnership with DHL,” she said.
Niels Wichmann, Brand Head for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, explains: The ID.4 is built on the company’s global MEB platform and, because it does not have an engine bay it allowed us to reposition the wheels and stretch the interior to create a roomy feel and, importantly, to improve the rear leg room.
“The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s most popular electric vehicle globally being sold in Europe, the United States and China.
“It has a ride height of 170 mm, which makes it ideal for South African road conditions and it is no lightweight in terms of performance with 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque from the 77-kW battery pack and it has a range of 500 kilometres on a single charge.”
Related Content - Volkswagen has big plans for SA
The ID.4 Pro earmarked for South Africa will scoot from 0-100 km/h in around 8,5 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 160 km/h and is rear-wheel drive – there is an all-wheel drive variant in Europe as well.
“We, obviously, would like South Africans to embrace the change to electric vehicles but we do recognise the high cost and, along with other manufacturers, are working as an industry to find solutions we can lobby with Government to make this transition easier for all car buyers,” said Biene.
Colin Windell
proudly CHANGECARS
