- The Hyundai Ioniq 3 has surfaced online ahead of its official debut.
- It appears to be a subcompact crossover with a hatchback-like shape.
- The compact model shares its underpinnings with the Kia EV3 and EV4.
Hyundai is hours away from revealing a new gateway model for its Ioniq range in Milan. However, what appears to be an accidental leak leaves little to the imagination. Images of the exterior and cabin are already in circulation, along with most of the pertinent details.
The Ioniq 3 develops last year’s Concept Three into something recognisably production-ready. It presents as a hatchback, though it does come with various crossover styling cues.
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Measuring roughly 4.1 m (161.4 inches) in length, it is slightly larger than the i20, while its 2.65 m (104.3-inch) wheelbase puts it closer to the i30. Within Hyundai’s zero-emission lineup, it slots above the Inster and below the Kona Electric, effectively taking on the role of a junior Ioniq 5
The original concept’s asymmetrical, Veloster-adjacent door layout has not survived the transition. In its place sits a conventional five-door configuration, easier to package and easier to sell. The front end introduces split LED lighting with four illuminated dots in the middle. At the same time, the body gains visual mass through thicker surfacing and a heavier dose of plastic cladding.
The version shown here is the range-topping N Line, set apart by sportier bumpers, an integrated diffuser, a rear spoiler, and model-specific alloy wheels. Those elements are finished in black, tying in with the roof, A-pillars, side skirts, and the cladding around the wheel arches.
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Inside, the centerpiece is a 14.6-inch free-standing touchscreen, while lower trims make do with a smaller 12.9-inch display paired with a compact digital instrument cluster. Both run Hyundai’s new Google-based Pleos infotainment system, making its debut in a production model. Thankfully, there’s a row of physical switches mounted above the climate vents and additional tactile controls on the N-branded steering wheel.
Hyundai designers integrated the gear lever on the right stalk, freeing up space on the slim two-story center tunnel for cup holders, storage cubbies, and a wireless charging pad. Other highlights include a practical tray on the dashboard, rear climate vents, a panoramic sunroof, and a large boot with a double floor that can carry up to 441 lt (15.6 cubic feet) of cargo.
Technical Specifications
Underneath, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 rides on a 400-Volt version of the E-GMP architecture, just like the Kia EV3 and EV4 siblings. At launch, it will be offered in two front-wheel-drive configurations. The Standard Range model comes with a 135 hp electric motor and a 42.2 kWh battery offering 214 miles (344 km) of WLTP range. The Long Range upgrades to a 147 hp electric motor and a larger 61 kWh battery, stretching the range to 308 miles (496 km) on a full charge.
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For those after something with a bit more edge, Hyundai’s N division is reportedly exploring a baby hot hatch spun from the Ioniq 3. It is an easy leap, given the platform already supports dual-motor setups delivering up to 288 hp (292 PS / 215 kW), as seen in the range-topping Kia EV3 GT-Line.
Besides the extra punch, the Ioniq 3 N will likely benefit from a more aggressive stance along with a unique setup for the chassis and the electronics, borrowing a few tricks from the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N stablemates.
Market Availability
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is set to launch in Europe later this year, with production based in Turkey. That also explains its absence from the US market, where tariffs would push pricing beyond what makes sense for a car in this segment.
It will step into a crowded field, going up against electric subcompact SUVs like the Kia EV3, Mini Aceman, Renault 4 E-Tech, Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior, Volvo EX30, and Opel Mokka Electric. On the hatchback side, it will also face off against the Renault 5 E-Tech, BYD Dolphin, MG4 EV, and the upcoming VW ID. Polo.
