Bojan Vrbnjak
It used to be a common sight, but today our eyes have to get used to unpainted bumpers and steel rims. As with the special Freestyle model of the ID electric vehicle. Buzz. The simple equipment is clearly intended to boost the dwindling sales of the electric van. We took a closer look at the entry-level model.
First the key data: Short wheelbase, i.e. 2,99 meters and 4,71 meters in length. In addition, 125 kW (170 hp) of power and a 59 kWh battery. This should be enough for a range of 313 to 329 kilometers, with VW quoting an energy consumption of 20,4 kWh/100 km. Charging takes place with a maximum of 165 kW via the CCS system or at home with 11 kW of alternating current. The minibus takes 10,7 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a possible top speed of 145 km/h.
ID width. Buzz between the wheel arches: 1.204 mm, Boot volume to the upper edge of the rear seat: 1.121 litres, Open boot volume with rear seat bench upright: 1.581 litres. The length of the luggage compartment when the second row of seats is folded is 2.232 mm, and for the second row of seats 1.330 mm.
As already mentioned, the bumpers are not painted, the free color is white. Monosilver metallic color' costs an additional 1.035 euros; there are no more color choices. Stickers on the underside of the doors identify the special 'Freestyle' model. The interior is dominated by black and gray colors. 18-inch steel wheels with 235/60 R 18 103 T front and 255/55 R 18 105 T rear tires are standard. If you want all-weather tires, you can get them for just 171 euros.
Each of the two sets of 19-inch alloy wheels costs about 2.500 euros. What is available as standard? Sliding doors and LED light units, of course. In addition, various assistance systems and a multi-function camera. Height-adjustable front seats and two-tone automatic climate control. Type 2 charging cable and "Ready 2 Discover" radio with 32,8 cm (12,9-inch) color touchscreen, including wireless integration of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay systems, for example for the navigation system.
VW offers a variety of accessory packages; a folding towbar with electric unlocking can be interesting. This costs an additional 982 euros. The permissible trailer load with a 12% brake is 1.000 kg. Similar to the recently reduced price of the ID.3 base model, which remains below the magic threshold of 30.000 euros, the ID. Buzz "Freestyle" is also just below the limit, namely 50.000 euros. Price: exactly 49.997,85 euros. Too much for such a car? Judge for yourself.
30 – 35.000 € max
Bdaki! People are waiting in line for when someone will have the brains to make available at least a Diesel engine, and possibly a third row of seats. If we don't talk about the now "modern" shooting lines, which should be replaced with normal windows, this would be a car without competition.