The Volkswagen ID 4 is a decent electric car with a practical interior, an excellent safety score and a good range (especially with the 77kWh battery). However, the best rivals are faster, smarter inside, have much better infotainment systems and take less time to charge. The Pro Performance Style is our pick of the range, and we'd avoid the pricey Max and GTX versions.
Pros Lots of space in the back and a big boot Excellent Euro NCAP safety score Well equipped
Cons Poor infotainment and dashboard usability Not fast by class standards Heavier depreciation than many rivals
Pros Modern-looking interior Spacious in the back Comfortable to drive
Cons Boot has annoyingly high lip Top versions quite expensive Some tech seems glitchy
The Jeep Renegade offers distinctive styling and decent practicality, but most rivals make it feel agricultural.
Pros Plenty of standard equipment Good safety rating Genuine off-road ability
Cons Unsettled ride Awful refinement Comparatively expensive
Pros Feels like a proper off-road application of hybrid tech – and it works well off road Preserves the Renegade’s plucky charm. It’s good fun to drive at times
Cons Hybrid system doesn’t tame the Renegade’s rough-hewn temperament as a road car It also adversely affects carrying practicality, which was already in slightly mean supply
