Is the rear wheel drive hot hatchback back? While the other members of the GTX range use dual motor setups with all-wheel drive, the ID3 GTX relies on one powerful rear-mounted motor that gives birth to Volkswagen’s first rear-wheel drive hot hatchback.

The motor offers 322 bhp and 402 lb ft (545 Nm) torque, capable of propelling the car from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 124 mph. The motor has been taken from the larger ID7 but given a bespoke tune to suit brisk driving with a focus on instantaneous response. 

It’s not just a case of adding a more spritely motor, as the car features new adaptive suspension known as Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard. This sees presets for the ride in each driving mode, while allowing the driver to pick from 15 - yes fifteen - levels of firmness or fairness in the car’s Individual setting. Such a high number of adjustment levels may seem excessive, but in my recent drive of a Mk8 Golf R, it allowed me to find the precise blend of stiffness and compliance that I wanted from the chassis as opposed to having to compromise.

Between the axles sits an enlarged 79 kWh capacity battery that can rapid charge with a maximum input of 185 kW. This allows for a 10-80% top up in 26 minutes, while a full charge would take around 11 and a half hours using a home wallbox. Whether charged quickly or slowly, the maximum WLTP range is a claimed 369 miles. 

What that translates to in the real world will depend on how much time you spend silently zipping along B-roads making full use of the 322 bhp available, but it’s interesting to me that the fastest ID3 also has the longest range.

The ID3 GTX Performance has been given a visual makeover inside and out, with restyled bumpers that feature arrow-shaped LED running lights at the front, and a modified diffuser insert at the rear. As is the case with the regular ID3, my favourite design feature is the forward-facing C-pillar. High-gloss black trim is found across the exterior, being found on the roof, mirror caps, window surrounds, side sills and the model badges. 

The 20” 5-spoke wheels are also painted black, and upon closer inspection they appear to be shrouding drum brakes at the rear, suggesting that the friction braking system has been carried over from the standard model, forcing the car to rely on the enhanced regen offered by the uprated electric motor.