Hyundai's IONIQ 3 Concept: A Future EV Hot Hatch in the Making

Hyundai is reviving the hot hatch with its new EV concept, the IONIQ 3, which will arrive in mid-2026. The compact EV will take the IONIQ 5's sibling slot and is expected to receive the "N" treatment, making it a high-performance variant. Hyundai's European boss, Xavier Martinet, hinted at the possibility of the IONIQ 3 receiving the "N" treatment, while the head of design, Simon Loasby, called it an "opportunity." The IONIQ 3 will be Hyundai's third EV to receive the high-performance upgrade.

Hyundai has made a significant announcement with the unveiling of the Concept THREE EV at the Munich Motor Show, signaling a bold move into the compact electric vehicle (EV) market. The Concept THREE, set to become the IONIQ 3, is poised to launch in mid-2026, marking Hyundai's expansion into a new vehicle category to complement its current midsize and larger electric models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].

The new design theme, "Art of Steel," showcases a striking new look inspired by advanced steel technologies. The Concept THREE features an "Aero Hatch" profile, a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette. The lemon-tinted glass and matching wheels further accentuate its unique design The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].

Inside, the Concept THREE offers a customizable space, or "Bring Your Own Lifestyle (BYOL)," with sustainable materials and a sense of serenity and clarity. The interior design includes a symbolic character, Mr. Pix, adding an element of surprise The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].

Measuring 4,287 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, and 1,428 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,722 mm, the Concept THREE is about the size of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia EV3. The IONIQ 3 is expected to sit between the Inster EV and Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its European lineup The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].

Hyundai's European boss, Xavier Martinet, hinted at the possibility of the IONIQ 3 receiving the "N" treatment, making it a high-performance variant. This would be Hyundai's third EV to receive the high-performance upgrade, following the IONIQ 5 and Kona Electric N Hyundai's Smallest Ioniq Looks Like A Veloster From ...^[2].

The Concept THREE is expected to be based on the E-GMP platform and will likely be offered with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs. The former provides a WLTP range of 260 miles, while the latter is rated with a range of 365 miles. Given the Kona Electric starts at £34,995 ($47,000) in the UK, the Hyundai IONIQ 3 is expected to be priced closer to £25,000 ($33,700), like the Kia EV2 The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].

The IONIQ 3 will be built at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Turkey and is expected to enter production in the first half of 2026 The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is coming soon and this daring EV concept is our first look^[1].