Hyundai has unveiled the newest member of its electric family, the IONIQ 3. Unveiled in Milan, the all-electric compact hatch is designed specifically for the European market. While his older brothers, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6Making headlines for its retro-futurism and aerodynamic silhouettes, the IONIQ 3 features what Hyundai calls the Aero Hatch typology.
Or put another way, it’s a design meant to solve an age-old hatchback dilemma: achieving excellent aerodynamics without sacrificing headroom and cargo room in the rear.
While the IONIQ 3 is positioned as a pragmatic solution for European EV buyers, its absence from North American showrooms seems like a missed opportunity for a market that needs more vehicles like it. There is a constant feeling that more appropriately sized and priced electric vehicles, such as the IONIQ 3, could make widespread adoption of electrified vehicles possible.
However, calculations for a possible North American launch remain complicated. Between a historic American preference for larger, more imposing SUVs and the headwinds of import tariffs on vehicles produced outside the United States, the IONIQ 3 will remain a sporty but forbidden fruit for the foreseeable future.
Art of Steel design language
Morse code details
The IONIQ 3 is the first to showcase Hyundai’s Art of Steel design philosophy.
Although it sounds like a book about Clark Kent history, the Art of Steel design is defined by a low front end and a roofline that stands high above passengers before dropping into a rear spoiler. The Art of Steel shape helps the IONIQ 3 achieve a drag coefficient of 0.263, impressive for any compact hatch.
True to the IONIQ brand, you’ll find signature pixel lighting and subtle Morse code detailing with four center dots representing Hyundai’s letter “H.”
“Hyundai Motor America currently has no plans to offer the Ioniq 3. More broadly, we continually evaluate market trends and customer demand as part of our long-term product planning strategy. We remain focused on developing and delivering vehicles that meet the needs of American consumers. If we have any news about future products or line expansion, we will share it through our official channels.” ~Hyundai statement provided to How-To Geek’s sister publication CarBuzz.
Living room on wheels
Provides a sanctuary between work and home.
Despite its compact size (163.6 inches), the interior is surprisingly generous. Hyundai used its Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to create a flat floor and longer wheelbase, allowing for what it calls an interior suite of “furnished space.”
Think of it less like a traditional car interior and more like a modern living room, or the idea that our vehicles They now serve as “third spaces” between work and home. The materials are inspired by Italian furniture from the 70s and use recycled and bio-based textiles.
Practicality has not been forgotten either; The trunk offers 15.6 cubic feet of capacity, including a Megabox (not a Superman villain) hidden under the floor for additional storage.
Pleos Connect and the Android Automotive operating system
Display screens vary by trim level.
The IONIQ 3 is the first European Hyundai to feature the Pleos Connect infotainment system. Built on the Android Automotive operating system, the system is designed to be intuitive and fluid. Depending on the trim level, drivers will interact with a 12.9- or 14.6-inch screen.
Other notable technological features include:
- Digital key 2: You can access the IONIQ 3 via a smartphone or wearable device.
- Vehicle to load (V2L): Use the battery to power external devices, both inside and outside the vehicle.
- SmartSense Suite: It includes Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system, remote smart parking, and a blind-spot monitor.
- What’s included
-
Windshield Mount
- Radar band detection
-
X, K, Ka
The Uniden R8 is a dual antenna radar detector with directional arrows, known for its long range detection and false alert filtering capabilities. It comes preloaded with speed and red light camera locations and supports firmware updates for continuous performance improvements.
Standard and long range options
400-volt architecture supports DC fast charging
Hyundai offers two battery options to suit different lifestyles:
- Standard range: 42.2 kWh battery with a projected WLTP range of 214 miles.
- Long range: 61 kWh battery with a target of 308 miles.
The front-wheel drive motor produces up to 107.8 kW, which translates to approximately 147 horsepower.
As for charging, the IONIQ 3 uses a 400-volt architecture. While it’s not the ultra-fast 800-volt system found in the IONIQ 5, it still supports DC fast charging that can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes. For charging at home or at your destination, it supports AC charging up to 22 kW.
Designed and built for Europe
The IONIQ 3 is a local effort, designed in Europe and produced at Hyundai’s plant in İzmit, Türkiye. It is a key part of Hyundai’s goal to electrify its entire European range by 2027.
With its combination of Italian-inspired interior design, practical hatchback design and the latest Android-based software, the IONIQ 3 looks like a solid choice for those ready to make the jump to an electric vehicle in Europe.
