SPY PICS: Volkswagen I.D. Neo hatch sparking interest
It might look like a mini commercial van, but the test mule in these spy photos is reportedly VW's first I.D. EVIt may be difficult to make anything of these heavily-camouflaged test mules running amok in heavy snow somewhere in the north of Europe, but under the disguise is believed to be the first model in Volkswagen's new I.D. electric vehicle family, the Neo hatch.
Based on the German brand's new dedicated-electric platform dubbed MEB, the VW I.D. EV range will include everything from this small hatchback to an SUV and even a dune buggy.
Volkswagen's strategy with electric-powered vehicles is to get into the market quickly with volume-selling vehicles, at a price that's equivalent with the conventional models at which they will be aimed, thereby attracting a large number of buyers.
Although the test mule in the photographs makes some attempt at putting interpretive viewers off the scent, Volkswagen has obviously made use of the packaging advantages of an electric powertrain and a dedicated EV platform by moving the front wheels further back and chopping a great chunk out of the front overhang.
Other styling cues, whether real or not, also portray some of the signatures of the I.D. concept hatch, including the raked-back quarter windows and the upkick from the lower window line to the bonnet. And the severely-sloped roofline, complete with window spoiler, that culminates in a noticeably pinched-in rea- end.
Although the Volkswagen I.D. Neo will go on sale in Euro markets as early as 2020 after an unveiling in 2019, Australians won't see it until 2021, with an SUV version to follow in 2022. A total of 27 EV models are due from Volkswagen by 2025.
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