Anyone who is a fan of Volkswagen classics will have definitely heard of the Golf II Fire and Ice. What if we told you there’s a modern, upgraded version that suits today’s eco-conscious world? Introducing the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE, a concept created by Volkswagen to celebrate the unexpected success of the original Golf MkII Fire and Ice. What can we expect from Volkswagen as electric cars become paramount to sustainability and what does this mean for the future when it comes to the design and style of EVs?
What is the Golf II Fire and Ice?
The Golf is arguably one of Volkswagen’s most iconic cars, boasting 8 generations and 37 million sales since its inception in 1974. Loved by car enthusiasts for its performance, versatility and quality, the Golf has made a name for itself for being very fun to drive, combining speed and fuel-efficiency to provide the ultimate driving experience.
The Volkswagen Golf II Fire and Ice was one ‘edition’ of the Golf MkII that was available for the German market. Whilst the car wasn’t made for the UK markets, due to the cars only being manufactured with LHD (left-hand drive) some made it into the country as LHD imports. This car was kitted out with a G60 engine, Volkswagen’s own invention: the G referring to the shape of the supercharger roles and the 60 referring to the inlet size of the supercharger (which was 60mm). The engine was manufactured following the research done at Volkswagen on their 1987 Polo GT G40 project. Whilst the G60 was based on the EA827 series motor, the final product looked nothing like the original once the manufacturer had completed the modifications.
As for its name, the Fire and Ice was named after the movie Fire, Ice and Dynamite, directed by Wilhelm Hermann Björn Bogner Jr. and Germany’s third biggest grossing film of the 1990s. The car was featured heavily throughout the movie as product placement, with the seats themselves said to be designed by Bogner Jr. The Fire and Ice became a success - overall, approximately 16,700 units were sold, when only 10,000 units were in the plans.
The car featured a number of characteristics that made it so popular and turned it into a classic car. Although some may argue that the design was an acquired taste, it truly set itself apart from the competition at the time:
- Dark purple paint (Dark Violet perleffect)
- Fire and Ice decals on the C pillar
- Wheel arch extensions
- Fire and Ice emblems in place of the side indicators
- Purple and blue seats
- Fire and Ice emblem stitched into the seats
- Wide sill trim
- Fire and Ice Emblem in the ashtray
- Pink rear lettering
- Narrow trim on the doors.
What is the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE?
During a meeting in Locarno, Switzerland, the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE was unveiled. Combining new, sustainable technology with a nostalgic twist, this car is a blast from the past but offers a more sustainability-conscious view on its predecessor. Breathing new life into the classic, this ID.3 concept is designed and ready for the modern world.
The exterior design of the new FIRE+ICE pays homage to the original MkII - the Electric Violet pearl effect is a reimagining of the original colour, adding to its uniqueness but also adhering to modern times. This ID.3 includes an exclusive 3-layer paint finish, which comprises glass beads - these beads can alter the perception of colour, changing from dark blue to violet and even to black under certain lighting. The accents on the roof of the vehicle give this car the sporty look its predecessor was well-known for. It is adorned with foiling in a matte, geometric FIRE+ICE pattern, emphasising its uniqueness.
The interior design is reminiscent of the MkII, but offers a minimalistic approach - whilst the MkII was not afraid to showcase its fancy colour scheme of blue and purple seats, this ID.3 has resorted to the colours that form its namesake: red and blue (fire and ice, respectively). Whilst the usual interior of the ID family includes the Play/Pause button design on the pedals, the FIRE+ICE takes this a step further - a fire symbol on the accelerator pedal and an ice symbol on the brake pedal. Makes perfect sense to us.
The performance of the FIRE+ICE is reminiscent of the MkII, so fans will have no issues adapting to the electric version of the classic. This ID.3 includes Volkswagen’s most powerful battery, boasting an output of 240KW (326 PS) and a maximum torque of 545 Nm. The lithium-ion battery allows a recharge from a fast charger from 10 to 80% in 26 minutes. This car offers a top speed of 124mph, which is electronically limited to. It can also reach a speed of 0 - 60 in 5.7 seconds.
Is the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE available to purchase in the UK?
Unfortunately, this is only a concept car that has been designed in collaboration with BOGNER, a German fashion brand to celebrate the success of the MkII and to reincarnate a legendary classic. The one-off design is the perfect way for fans to relive the good old days, whilst offering modern day conveniences. Fortunately, the ID.3 is available for purchase in the UK. Running solely on electric power, Volkswagen’s high-quality manufacturing brings life to a new generation of electric vehicles. The cabin will look very familiar to those savvy with the eighth generation Golf will immediately recognise the interior of the ID.3 - similar in design and architecture, screens now replace the dashboard and the buttons. The lack of transmission means that the centre console has now been replaced with cup holders and deep storage bins, providing simple passenger comforts. For a sportier, high performance car, look no further than the ID.3 GTX - offering honeycomb grilles, high gloss black body styling elements, distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels and a sporty interior.
Find the perfect Volkswagen ID.3 Today
Although the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE is merely a concept currently, we can expect to see elements of the concept weaved into future Volkswagen models. In the meantime, the ID.3 is ideal for those who are looking for a blast from the past with modern conveniences. Comfort, style and sustainability meet to create the ideal car for long road trips or family life. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.