Volkswagen has officially uncovered the long-awaited ID. Polo electric supermini, which promises to bridge the gap between affordability and long-distance travel.

The all-electric version of one of the brand’s most successful models in its history follows on from the ID. 2all show car debuted in 2023 and marks the arrival of a new entry-level EV with a projected sub-£22k starting price and up to 282 miles of range.

It’s one of four new low-cost small EVs due from the Volkswagen Group this year; also including the recently revealed Cupra Raval hot hatch and the Volkswagen ID. Cross and Škoda Epiq crossovers.

All are built on the VW Group’s new MEB+ platform, delivering a compact but spacious footprint with high levels of tech. Erwin Gabardi, head of product management and strategy of the Volkswagen brand and Brand Group Core, says the quartet will show that “scaling and high synergies do not mean compromise, but affordable electric mobility and the democratisation of features from higher segments”.

As with its Cupra sibling, the ID. Polo hatch brings a new rival to the Renault 5 and will be offered with three power outputs and two battery sizes, while also packing in a host of new technology.

Prices and specification details for the UK are yet to be announced but the all-electric supermini is already on sale in its home market, where prices start from €24,995 (c.£21,660). It will sit in the line-up next to the unrelated petrol Polo.

Output levels for the ID. Polo will span 116hp, 135hp and 211hp variants. The lowered-powered pair will come as standard with a 37kWh (net) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that enables a range of up to 329km (204 miles) and can charge at up to 90kW DC for a 10-80% recharge in about 23 minutes.

The top-rung 211hp motor is married up with a 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery that enables the headline range of up to 454km (282 miles) and cuts the 10 to 80% recharge time to about 24 minutes thanks to a maximum charging rate of 130kW.

One-pedal driving will be available, allowing vehicle deceleration through regulation of the accelerator pedal alone, along with vehicle-to-load, which enables the ID. Polo to supply up to 3.6kW of power to external devices, such as e-bikes or outdoor equipment. Charging is possible using a 230V socket in the interior and – with a separate adapter – also via the mode 3 connection of the charging socket.

Size-wise, the ID. Polo is similar in length to the petrol Polo but is slightly wider and taller, offering a more spacious interior and a 441-litre boot – significantly larger than the 351 litres in the current petrol model. When the rear seat backrests are folded down, the load capacity increases to 1,240 litres, compared with 1,125 litres in the conventional Polo. VW says the  extra space makes the five-seater ID. Polo “more of an all-rounder than any of its predecessors, specialising not only in urban life but also effortlessly mastering everyday use with friends and family”.

It’s also the first production model to completely follow the new Volkswagen Pure Positive design language of chief designer Andreas Mindt, delivering design features such as the C-pillar derived from the first Golf, a “likeable” front-end and a “powerful rear that has a very high-quality, timeless and charismatic appearance”.

The new Pure Positive design language continues into the cabin with a focus on intelligent interior architecture, high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics.

It gets a new cockpit landscape with a 10-inch digital display for drivers and 13-inch infotainment system, accompanied by physical buttons underneath, plus a multi-function steering wheel in leatherette and automatic air conditioning as standard.

Thanks to the MEB+ platform and new software, the ID. Polo comes with a host of modern assist systems as standard such as side assist and lane assist (incl. emergency assist).

As an option, the next generation of Travel Assist supports assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance and reacts to traffic lights, within the system limits, marking a class first.

Prices, specification and availability for the UK will be confirmed in the coming weeks.