The Hyundai Ioniq 3 compact EV that is under serious consideration for Australia has been unveiled in concept form at the Munich motor show.
The smallest Hyundai EV to wear the Ioniq badge, the Concept Three is a three-door hatch. But the production version will add rear doors.
The Ioniq 3 will also share much under the skin with the Kia EV3 including a 400v version of the E-GMP platform’s electric architecture.
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It is scheduled to go on-sale in Europe as soon as July 2026.
If it makes it to Australia it will compete against the EV3 and a multitude of Chinese rivals including the MG S5, BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5 and Chery E5.
Hyundai wasn’t saying too much about the powertrain and performance of the Concept Three ahead of its roll-out in Munich, although it did confirm its compact 4287mm length, 1940mm width, 1428mm height and 2722mm wheelbase.
That means it fits in the Hyundai EV line-up on size between the Inster and Kona Electric. On pricing that would place it around $50,000 in Australia.
If the production Ioniq 3 follows the form of the concept – and there’s every indication it will – this will be a sporty hatch with more orthodox styling than either the blocky Ioniq 5 SUV or wind-cheating Ioniq 6 sedan.
Primarily aimed at Europe, the concept has a design language dubbed ‘Art of Steel’ that is meant to showcase the Korean industrial giant’s abilities in shaping metal.
It is also a preview of the next evolution of Hyundai exterior design. Other exterior features include front and rear parametric pixel lighting – an Ioniq signature – an anodized-effect Tungsten Grey paint and lemon-tinted glass and wheels.
The interior includes ‘bring your own lifestyle’ widgets to tailor the passenger experience, an interactive character called Mr Pix and the use of sustainable materials such as ocean waste for trims.
The production Ioniq 3 interior will include a new-generation infotainment system.
In terms of tech expect the Ioniq 3 to be offered with the same 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh battery pack choices and 150kW/283Nm front-mounted e-motor as the EV3.
The smaller pack delivers a 436km range and the bigger pack as much as 604km in EV3.
Hopefully that technical alliance means that like the EV3, the Ioniq 3 will add a dual motor version before too long.
The dual motor EV3 is due to be unveiled in 2026, with a hot GT flagship possible. Ioniq 3 N? Don’t rule it out.
On Ioniq 3’s local prospects, Hyundai Australia chief Don Romano recently told Ev Authority:
“It’s a potential opportunity, but I don’t have enough details to get to it. So at this point, I’m glad we’re showing it. I’m glad we’re producing it.
“Now I just need to get the details and find out, will it fit into our overall product plan and create enough demand to where it becomes a viable option for us? So my initial thought is absolutely. Yep.
“I don’t have enough details to be definitive on it.”
