Built upon the TNGA-K platform, the slim LED headlamps and full-width LED taillight bar, sloping roof and large 19-inch multi-spoke “super chrome” two-tone alloy wheels on the Limited grade Darpan evaluated make for quite a handsome product, actually. At 4,740 millimetres long the size is just right. Not too big or small.

Designers have moved the A pillars back almost 50 millimetres, stretched out the wheelbase by 35 millimetres and widened the rear track 12 millimetres giving the profile a distinctive appearance. Even the roof is 50 millimetres shorter than the predecessor thanks to the liftgate being made of a lightweight composite material, allowing the hinge mechanism to be pulled outwards thus flattening the area.

Both cars in single-motor form are fine for driving around town, but dynamically the ID.4 is the better-driving SUV. With its higher real-world range and quicker acceleration, the Volkswagen is the superior choice in this matchup.

The only EVs with starting prices under $30,000 (including shipping) now are versions of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt. Both are smaller than a typical gas-powered compact SUV. The Mini Cooper Electric, Mazda MX30 and Hyundai Kona Electric are in the $30,000s, according to Edmunds.

The Bolt EV used to cost more than $30,000, but for the 2023 model year, Chevrolet dropped the starting price to $26,595. Even a more well-equipped the Bolt EV 2LT model tops out at around $31,000. Which one is the better buy? Edmunds car experts compared both EVs to find out.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is complemented by two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. The resulting performance is nothing to scoff at: a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.