Volkswagen has started testing the ID 2, one of its most important cars in recent times, and prototypes have been spotted in a clever camouflage.
Photographed near Germany's Nürburgring circuit, where the ID 2 is being put through its paces, the test mules are clad in Volkswagen Polo body panels in a bid to disguise the electric car, as well as avoid the attention that a classic camouflage livery may attract.
Despite this test car's unassuming white look, certain details confirm what is underneath – such as the short front overhang, distinct fascia, smaller rear lights and a fake door release at the bottom of the boot lip.
These details reveal that the production car will feature many similarities to the 2023 ID 2all concept. Indeed, VW design chief Andreas Mindt previously told Autocar that such an approach was likely because his team had fought hard to make sure the production model closely followed the styling and dimensions of the concept.
He added: “It’s even better [than the concept]. I really like it and it’s one of the reasons I’m so optimistic for our future.”
The pictures also give away some of the interior details. For example, while the ID 2all concept was fitted with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, the production mule looks to be using a wheel with a flat top too. This is similar to what was shown in the smaller ID Every1 concept, suggesting some of that car's kit (including the refitting of physical controls) will also be adopted by the ID 2.
The production ID 2 is pencilled in to go on sale next year priced at around £22,000, which would make it one of the cheapest EVs in the UK. Before then, the ID 2X, its £25,000 supermini-sized crossover cousin, will be revealed at the Munich motor show in September, although it won’t go on sale until a year after the hatch.
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Those wheel-arches, the curves in the body and windscreen extending into the roof make it look just like a two-generation old Citroen C3!
Did you not read the article, it's a test mule.
The best thing VW could do is put a 1.2 turbo petrol in it, and price it below £20k - they'd have a hit on their hands then. Alas, it will be just another bland, souless EV.
Opposed to a bland, souless 1.2 ICE car.