Hyundai Ioniq 3 arrives with dramatic design and 300 miles of range
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 has been revealed in production-ready form for the first time as it looks to shake up the compact EV segment.
The Korean brand’s new five-door “aero hatch” will sit just above the tiny Inster in its growing EV range and is expected to compete with key models from Renault, Volkswagen and Kia when it arrives in the UK later this year.
At 4.15m long, the Ioniq 3 sits between more traditional B and C-segment cars. However power and range figures, along with comments from Hyundai, suggest it’s aiming to compete in the smaller segment with the likes of Renault 5, Mini Electric and upcoming Cupra Raval and VW ID.Polo.
There’s also the small matter of the Kia EV2, with which the Ioniq 3 shares its 400V E-GMP platform.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 design
The sharp exterior styling shows a clear connection to the Concept 3 revealed last year, albeit without the rear-hinged back doors or bumper-mounted digital display screen. Hyundai says that the Ioniq 3 has been designed to balance simplicity, aerodynamics and generous interior space.
Although taller than the Concept 3, the Ioniq 3 shares its curved bonnet line, raked roofline and pinched rear glasshouse split by a prominent ducktail spoiler. Hyundai says the Ioniq 3 draws on its “art of steel” philosophy with a few simple lines creating a “strong and precise” visual impact. Like larger Hyundai EVs, the Ioniq 3 features pixel-style LED lights front and rear.
The Ioniq 3’s interior designers have apparently drawn inspiration from household furniture, including 1970s Italian fabrics, and say the cabin is intended to remove distractions for the driver. Hyundai claims best-in-class passenger space and a 322-litre boot that expands to 441 litres thanks to a Ford-aping “Megabox” beneath the floor. High-spec cars will feature heated and cooled “relaxation” seats.
The Ioniq 3 is the first European Hyundai to use a Google-based infotainment system. Central touchscreens of 12.9 inches or 14.6 inches will run Android Automotive-base Pleos to allow for a more intuitive and integrated setup.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 battery and motor options
Running on the Hyundai Group’s ubiquitous E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 3 comes with two powertrain options offering up to 308 miles of range.
The Standard Range model uses a 42.2kWh battery married to a 145bhp front-mounted motor for a predicted range of 214 miles and a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds.
The Long Range car, meanwhile, uses a less powerful 135bhp motor and a 61kWh battery to maximise range. It delivers 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and up to 308 miles of range. Hyundai says this is class-leading, reinforcing its view of the Ioniq 3 as a B-segment hatch.
DC charging rates haven’t been confirmed but Hyundai says both batteries will top up from 10-80% in around 30 minutes and will accept AC charging at up to 22kW. The car will also feature Plug & Charge capability and vehicle-to-load functionality.
Hyundai Ioniq 3 price and trim levels
Prices for the Ioniq 3 haven’t been confirmed but they are widely expected to start at around £25,000 after government or manufacturer discounts, putting it in the same region as the Cupra, Kia and VW models.
Full specification details are still in the works but we do know there’s a range-topping N-Line trim that gets 19-inch wheels, gloss black and red trim details and sporty interior design touches. In line with the rest of Hyundai’s EV range, we’d also expect Advance, Premium and possibly Ultimate trims with a less sporty look.
As well as options such as Bose sound system, ambient lighting and digital keys, the Ioniq 3 will offer a host of driver assistance ranging from highway assist 2.0 that can control speed and lane position, to adaptive LED headlights and phone-based digital keys.
The Ioniq 3 will be built for Europe at Hyundai’s Izmit factory in Turkey and first UK cars are expected in the second half of the year.
