The Hyundai Ioniq 3 Hatchback Looks Like an Electric Veloster
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is the brand's latest EV, but it was developed for Europe and won't be coming to the U.S.The Ioniq 3 has distinctive LED lighting and a profile that reminds us of the Veloster hatchback.Range estimates max out at 308 miles on Europe's WLTP test cycle, and the Ioniq 3 sends up to 145 horsepower through the front wheels.Hyundai's portfolio of Ioniq-branded electric vehicles actually shrank in the U.S. this year, after the standard Ioniq 6 sedan was dropped (the high-performance N model will still be sold in limited quantities). But in Europe, where EVs are still gaining market share, Hyundai's Ioniq expansion will continue with the Ioniq 3, a new electric hatchback with a funky, streamlined design and good electric driving range.HyundaiThe Ioniq 3's shape, with a pointy front end and a dramatically sloping roof, reminds us of the late Veloster, although the Ioniq 3 skips the Veloster's unorthodox three-door layout. Hyundai describes the look as "Aero Hatch," saying that it provides both "aerodynamic efficiency and generous interior space," with the Ioniq 3 boasting a drag coefficient of 0.26. At 163.5 inches long, the Ioniq 3 is roughly 20 inches shorter from nose to tail than the compact Elantra sedan.The front end wears horizontal LED eyebrows above a wide black band that houses the main headlights. There are also four LED squares below the Hyundai badge, referencing the letter "H" in Morse code and echoing Ioniq design cues that have appeared elsewhere, such as on the steering wheel of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9. At the back, the rear glass is split by a prominent spoiler, and the four light-up pixels make another appearance. Hyundai is currently only showing the N Line trim, which will undoubtedly be the most aggressive-looking version of the hatchback.HyundaiThe Ioniq 3 rides on the 400-volt version of the E-GMP platform. This is also found beneath the Kia EV3, which is set to finally reach the U.S. later this year. The Ioniq 3 offers two battery sizes: the 42-kWh Standard Range model achieves 213 miles of range on Europe's WLTP test, and the 61-kWh Long Range is good for 308 miles. If the Ioniq 3 were ever to be sold stateside, we'd expect those figures to translate to EPA range estimates of 181 and 261 miles, respectively.Hyundai says recharging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 29 minutes on a DC fast-charger, while the Ioniq 3 is capable of AC charging at up to 22 kilowatts. Every Ioniq 3 has a front-wheel-drive single-motor setup, producing 145 horsepower in the Standard Range trim and 133 hp in the Long Range trim. Torque is rated at 184 pound-feet across the board, and Hyundai claims the Ioniq 3 can reach 60 mph in 9.0 seconds in the more powerful model.HyundaiInside, there's an available 14.6-inch touchscreen (the standard unit measures 12.9 inches) that runs Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS. Hyundai promises plenty of interior room thanks to a flat floor and long wheelbase, and the Ioniq 3 offers goodies such as heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a Bose sound system. The Ioniq 3 also has vehicle-to-load capability, allowing owners to use the vehicle to power external electronic devices. While we're digging the Ioniq 3's styling and the Long Range model's specs, the electric hatchback has been developed for the Europe market, and chances it will ever come stateside are slim. Unless there is a major change in government regulations or the habits of the car-shopping public, we'll have to admire the Ioniq 3 from afar.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
