Thursday, January 1, 2026

Hyundai is leaping into the race for smaller, extra inexpensive EVs

The IONIQ 3 is about to reach as a smaller sibling to the IONIQ 5, however it’ll look just a little totally different from different Hyundai EVs.

The Hyundai IONIQ 3 will debut a brand new EV design

Hyundai previewed the brand new electrical hatchbackdubbed the Idea Three, on the Munich Motor Present in September.

The “Three” is Hyundai’s first compact electrical car idea beneath the IONIQ collection, set to deliver a radical new design to the household.

In response to Hyundai, the Idea Three “represents the subsequent step within the firm’s electrification journey.” Manufacturing is predicted to start in early 2026 at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Turkey, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.

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The brand new design, “Artwork of Metal,” is impressed by Hyundai’s superior metal expertise. Hyundai calls the Aero Hatch profile “a brand new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette.”

Hyundai stored a couple of of its signature design components from different IONIQ EV fashions, just like the Parametric Pixel lights on the entrance and rear.

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The Hyundai Idea THREE EV, a preview of the IONIQ 3 (Supply: Hyundai)

With its official debut approaching, a couple of IONIQ 3 prototypes have been noticed driving in public in South Korea. Regardless of heavy camouflage, you possibly can inform the manufacturing model was shaping as much as be almost equivalent to the Idea Three.

A latest picture from KindelAuto affords a more in-depth have a look at the IONIQ 3, noticed in Europe with barely any camouflage.

You possibly can clearly see the car’s profile stays near the idea, with a glossy, hot-hatch design and a ducktail spoiler.

The compact EV is 4,287 mm lengthy, 1,940 mm huge, and 1,428 mm tall, with a wheelbase of two,722 mm, or in regards to the measurement of the Kia EV3 or Volkswagen ID.3.

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The Hyundai Idea THREE EV, a preview of the IONIQ 3 (Supply: Hyundai)

Hyundai has but to disclose battery specs or costs, nevertheless it’s anticipated to supply 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, like the Kia EV3offering WLTP ranges of round 260 miles and 365 miles, respectively. Given the Kona Electrical begins at £35,000 ($47,000), the IONIQ 3 will possible be priced nearer to £25,000 ($33,700).

Though it’s anticipated to trip on the identical E-GMP platform as different IONIQ fashions, will probably be outfitted with a 400V system quite than 800V to chop prices.

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The Hyundai Idea Three (Supply: Hyundai)

For these within the US, sadly, the IONIQ 3 just isn’t anticipated to make the journey abroad, given America’s love for greater vans and SUVs and the Trump administration’s latest coverage adjustments.

The IONIQ 3 might be primarily aimed toward Europe to fulfill the rising demand for smaller, extra inexpensive EVs. It is going to compete with different compact electrical vehicles, such because the Volkswagen ID.2 and BYD Dolphin.

In response to Korea JoongAng Every daythe IONIQ 3 is predicted to start out at round 30 million gained ($20,800) in South Korea.

The IONIQ 5 does, nonetheless, stay one of the vital inexpensive EVs within the US, beginning at beneath $35,000 with leases as little as $189 per thirty days.

Should you’re contemplating an EV, Hyundai’s lineup is value testing — providing over 300 miles of vary, quick charging, fashionable tech, at a value that’s truly affordable. Try the hyperlinks beneath to see what’s out there in your space.

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