Hyundai is preparing to expand its Ioniq electric line-up with a new compact hatchback, previewed by the striking Concept Three unveiled in Europe. If production follows the path set by earlier Hyundai show cars, the finished model will arrive as the Ioniq 3, targeting rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 when it launches in mid-2025.

Although the concept features dramatic touches such as rear-hinged coach doors, oversized wheels and a full pixel-screen front grille, the underlying proportions closely mirror the eventual production model. At 4288mm long, Concept Three is slightly larger than the ID.3 and only 52mm shorter than Hyundai’s i30 petrol hatch, hinting at a roomy, practical interior.

Hyundai is expected to price the Ioniq 3 from around £28,000 (A$54,000), positioning it between the upcoming Inster city EV and the larger Kona Electric SUV in the brand’s range.

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Hyundai Design Europe’s chief designer Eduardo Ramirez told AutoExpress that the goal was a “very sporting stance with a clear silhouette defined by aero hatch profile and EV-specific proportions with the low front.” The pixel lighting theme already seen on the Ioniq 5, 6 and 9 is carried through, with animated parametric pixels giving the rear light bar a 3D effect.

Up front, the pixel grille can display animations of a digital mascot dubbed Mr Pix. While unlikely to reach production, head of design Simon Loasby suggested it could be feasible: “We can do it, but it’s about adding cost. There is a fun factor and it’s memorable,” he said.

Other styling flourishes include what appear to be twin exhaust outlets but are in fact speakers to deliver an ‘emotive experience through sound’, plus playful touches such as “May the downforce be with you” etched into the oversized rear diffuser. That diffuser, like the coach doors, will be dropped for production.

The concept’s cabin was designed to feel like a living room, with each element imagined as a piece of furniture. While the production car will adopt a more conventional interior, Hyundai Europe boss Xavier Martinet told AutoExpress the exterior will remain close to the concept: “The dimensions are very, very close to what you’ll have with the final vehicle… the interior will be more traditional, although don’t expect it to be boring.”

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Though the Concept Three is purely a styling exercise, the production Ioniq 3 is expected to share the Hyundai Group’s 58kWh battery, offering around 150kW (201bhp) and a range of more than 440 kilometres (WLTP). Higher-performance or longer-range versions are likely to follow.

As AutoExpress concluded, Concept Three not only signals Hyundai’s intent to challenge the Volkswagen ID.3 head-on but also showcases the brand’s growing confidence in delivering compact EVs that are practical, distinctive and fun.

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