Volkswagen ID.3 scoops Motor Trader’s New Car of the Year title – its 11th award of 2021 from UK media


  • ID.3’s latest accolade in 2021 – at the Motor Trader Industry Awards – is its first New Car of the Year title from UK media
  • New trophy is the model’s 11th across the year in the UK, and its 16th overall, having collected awards as far back as October 2019
  • Judges praise the model’s all-round appeal, environmental credentials and its sales success

The ID.3’s latest title – New Car of the Year – is its first overall car of the year prize from a UK publication, and contributes to the model’s status as the brand’s most decorated of 2021. The 11 UK awards won this year, and 16 overall, by the ID.3 range from recognising its attributes versus its electric-powered contemporaries, to its talents against all competition, regardless of fuel type, to safety features, fleet and company car considerations, practicality and value for money. A full list of these awards is detailed below.

Despite this broad range of awards, there is consensus among the various judges and panels in identifying the ID.3’s key strengths – its breadth of appeal, value, and electric mobility without compromise. Together these qualities combine to earn the ID.3 the unofficial title of the ‘Electric People’s Car’ from numerous titles and experts.

John Kirwan, Editor of Motor Trader, said: “The Volkswagen ID.3 was voted the New Car of the Year in the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2021 for its strong sales success and environmental credentials. The judging panel considered it to be an excellent all-round electric vehicle.”

Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Christmas has come early for the ID.3, securing yet another trophy for the collection, and more praise from UK experts.

“Especially satisfying is independent recognition of the ID.3’s success in the sales charts, as well the key role it plays in the brand’s strategy to reduce its environmental impact – it is an electric car built net carbon-neutral after all.”

UK awards received by the Volkswagen ID.3 during 2021

December: Motor Trader Industry Awards – New Car of the Year
October: WhichEV Annual Awards – Best Value Hatchback
October: Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Company Car
September: Parkers New Car Awards – Best Medium Electric Car
July: What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Electric Family Car
July: Auto Express New Car Awards – Best Small Company Car
February: UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Hatch
January: What Car? Awards – Small Electric Car of the Year
January: What Car? Awards – Safety Award Winner
January: WhichEV Awards – Best Newcomer EV
January: Carwow awards – Best Family Electric Car


View the ID.3