New Hyundai Ioniq 3 offers sleek shape and 441 litres of storage for £25k
Hyundai’s smallest Ioniq yet showcases their new approach to car design and a surprisingly spacious boot...
On sale Late 2026 Price £25,000 (est)
In the past, the number three was said to represent the past, present and future. And while many carmakers are taking inspiration from classic models for their latest EVs, Hyundai is looking firmly towards the future with the Ioniq 3. Essentially a production version of the Hyundai Concept Three show car, the Ioniq 3 is the first UK-bound model to showcase the brand’s new ‘Art of Steel’ approach to car design.
While some of the most striking features of the Concept Three have been dropped – including the LED display that clad most of the front end, rear bumper-mounted speakers and the translucent green spoiler – the Ioniq 3 retains that car’s clean body panels interrupted by bold lines that run parallel to the rear bumper.
Hyundai’s marketers refer to the Ioniq 3 as an ‘aero-hatch’, but similar to the MG4 Urban, it’s a halfway house in size and price between small electric cars, such as the Renault 5 (R5), and electric family cars, including the Volkswagen ID 3.
From launch, two battery options will be available, with the cheaper Ioniq 3 Standard Range featuring a 39kWh (usable capacity) battery. With an estimated range of about 210 miles, it can cover slightly more ground than the cheapest MG4 Urban (201 miles), although the equivalent Renault 5 can officially travel further still (252 miles).
The 58kWh (estimated usable capacity) battery fitted in the Ioniq 3 Long Range delivers an estimated range of about 305 miles. That’s more than the slightly larger Volkswagen ID 3 Pure can officially cover (241 miles), let alone any MG4 Urban or R5.
All Ioniq 3s feature front-wheel drive, but how much power it has will depend on what battery is fitted. The Standard Range features a 145bhp electric motor, which is enough for the Ioniq 3 to sprint from 0-62mph in 9.0sec. That’s slightly quicker than the MG4 Urban (9.6sec) but the equivalent R5 is faster still (7.9sec). Curiously, it’s understood that the Ioniq 3 Long Range has a slightly smaller 133bhp motor, meaning it takes 9.6sec to reach 62mph.
While Hyundai is yet to confirm whether a more powerful N version is on the way, a sporty N-Line version of the Ioniq 3 will be available from launch. Despite not being any more powerful than the standard Ioniq 3, the N-Line has a more aggressive appearance, featuring a rear diffuser and a wider ducktail spoiler.
Hyundai claims the Ioniq 3’s interior was inspired by a cosy living room, featuring a considerable number of unusual features to maximise its practicality. This includes an open storage compartment above the glovebox and around the steering column for small odds and ends, and removable inserts in the cupholders in order to fit a wider range of bottle sizes.
Similar to the YouClip system fitted to some Dacias, the Ioniq 3’s interior also features a number of mounting points for accessories, such as phone holders, torches and even an incense maker. Owners will be able to buy these accessories directly from Hyundai or make them at home if they have a 3D printer.
A 12.9in touchscreen comes as standard, with the more expensive N-Line version getting a larger 14.6in display. There’s also a row of physical controls for the air conditioning and audio volume.
The Ioniq 3’s interior feels reasonably sturdy and uses some plush materials in the areas most commonly touched. In addition to offering a decent amount of space for front occupants, the Ioniq 3 offers considerably more rear leg room than the R5. Even so, the low roof line means the Ioniq 3 offers less rear head room than the MG4 Urban.
Nevertheless, the Ioniq 3 certainly isn’t short on options. Unusually for a small EV, this includes a set of ‘Premium Relaxation’ front seats, which are heated and ventilated. Heated rear seats are also available, as is a BOSE sound system.
At 322 litres, the Ioniq 3’s boot is bigger than the Renault 5 Comfort Range’s (285 litres), although the Volkswagen ID 3 has even more room (385 litres). However, the Ioniq 3 has an additional compartment underneath the boot, adding a further 119 litres of storage space; enough to carry a large suitcase.
Hyundai is yet to comment on how much the Ioniq 3 will cost. However, it’s speculated that the range will be priced from about £25,000. That’s slightly more than the MG4 Urban (£23,495) or Renault 5 (£22,995), but undercuts slightly larger electric hatchbacks, including the Volkswagen ID 3 (£30,860).
