Volkswagen is outlining a plan to bring a new electric hatchback to market, the ID.1, with a scheduled rollout in 2027 as reported by motor1.com. The vehicle is slated to ride on the MEB platform, the same architecture that underpins VW’s ID concept family, reinforcing a familiar foundation while the brand expands its affordable EV lineup. To keep production practical and cost-efficient, the ID.1 is being developed with a simpler feature set that emphasizes usefulness and everyday reliability over an abundance of cutting-edge driver assistance systems. Inside, the cabin is being designed for adaptability, prioritizing generous space, user-friendly controls, and convenient packaging over flashy digital gimmicks.
Following the plan, the ID.1 will take over from the up! hatch, which VW discontinued in late 2023 after a lengthy run. This transition signals VW’s broader strategy to push affordable electric mobility and to rework its city-car portfolio for a modern era of compact, city-friendly EVs that still deliver practical value. The move also reflects the company’s aim to streamline models while expanding electrification across the small-car segment.
Looking back at 2023, VW’s European sales presented a mixed picture in the early part of the year. By August, the brand had achieved solid overall volumes, with the Polo continuing to serve as the most economical and accessible option for many customers across VW’s European lineup. The Polo’s enduring appeal underscores VW’s emphasis on maintaining a compact, entry-level option at the core of its range, even as electrification broadens into other categories.
Historically, the up! era gave way to new city-car generations that overlapped with vehicles like the Fox, reflecting shifts in market demand. At the same time, cross-brand realignments within the Volkswagen Group saw sister brands such as Seat and Skoda redirect production away from similar small-city models like the Mii and Citigo. The result is a consolidated approach to entry-level mobility, aligned with electrified platforms that can serve multiple markets across Europe and beyond. Recent developments in Asia have also highlighted intensified competition and momentum in the compact electric space. For example, Geely has begun deliveries of the Galaxy L6 sedan in China, illustrating a broader pattern of newer, electrified options entering the compact and subcompact segments. This context helps frame VW’s ongoing work on finalizing the ID.1 program for North American and European markets. (Motor1 report on the ID.1 program and market positioning).—