VW’s Most Affordable EV is Disguised Behind Another Brand's Design | Carscoops

      The ID.2 electric hatchback has been spotted testing with production bodywork for the first time, adorned with stickers that mimic the appearance of the old combustion Polo hatch.

      The front-wheel drive electric hatch is set to hit the market in 2026, with prices starting at €25,000.

      Volkswagen's eagerly awaited ID.2 electric hatchback has been photographed for the first time, revealing its production form and indicating it will be the brand's most affordable EV when it launches, potentially later this year. However, this title could be short-lived as VW is already planning to introduce an even more economical and smaller model, the ID.1, which is expected to follow within a year or two after the ID.2’s release, or whatever name is ultimately chosen by the company.

      Prior sightings of the ID.2 were of earlier mule prototypes based on the larger ID.3, but this prototype features the actual body panels. VW, however, employs its usual tactic of using stickers to disguise the vehicle as a current VW model, specifically the sixth-generation Polo.

      The test vehicle’s upper and lower grilles, along with the front and rear headlights, have all been altered using stickers. Even the rear door handles are simply stickers, with the actual handles concealed in the door frame above the window line.

      However, once you recognize what to look for, it’s clear that the ID.2all concept's narrow grille, horizontal rear light bar, and classic VW arrow-shaped rear quarter panel can be seen beneath the thin disguise.

      The robust fenders, wheels positioned at each corner, and raised swage line have successfully transitioned from the auto show to the streets, but the production ID.2 sports a shorter hood that is separated from the grille and badge by a plastic panel, which helps reduce repair costs in the event of a minor front-end collision.

      Built on VW’s Entry-Level EV Platform

      The ID.2 is the first model in a series of small VW EVs constructed on a new entry-level variant of the automaker’s MEB electric vehicle platform. While single-motor versions of existing MEB models like the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.Buzz are rear-wheel drive, the ID.2, along with its SUV variant and the smaller ID.1, will feature front-wheel drive.

      They will also transition from the current NCM battery to a more affordable LFP type to help lower the price of the ID.2 to approximately €25,000, enabling VW to compete against a wave of new low-cost EVs being introduced in Europe by its competitors.

      A GTI Variant, But Probably Not This One

      VW has even committed to producing an ID.2 GTI, having showcased an ID.GTI concept in 2023, and the forged wheels, roof spoiler, and sporty bumpers of this prototype hint at what its design might be. However, the GTI concept boasted a more extreme body kit, and this prototype’s smaller front brake setup suggests we may be looking at a less performance-centric version of the ID.2.

      Nonetheless, don’t anticipate it retaining that name when it launches. VW is dropping the ID nomenclature and will be giving the production ID.2 and its variants proper names.