World Preview of Hyundai IONIQ 3: Segment B with Design and Technology
Italy, and particularly Milan, is very important for Hyundai this week. The Korean manufacturer has chosen the Milan Design Week as a stage to globally present its latest electric vehicle: IONIQ 3.
For the first time, we were able to see the much-anticipated new car live, which fits into the B segment, completing an electric range that starts from the small Inster and extends all the way to the flagship Ioniq 9, or even beyond with the Staria van. Discover the new vehicle in our video: Ioniq 3, showcased in Milan in the N-Line trim, inaugurates the stylistic language of "Art of Steel", and indeed, the car's launch is part of an artistic installation that retraces the steps that the Hyundai team took to arrive at the final result. From the benefits of internal economies of scale (such as in-house steel production) to the pursuit of Italian and European style, to create a car that is dimensionally and attitudinally designed for customers in the Old Continent.
We therefore have compact dimensions, with only 4.15 meters in length, and the search for distinctive lines that don't shy away from a bit of sportiness, accentuated - of course - in the N-Line version. This is evident from the aggressive front, with a bi-color bumper now enriched with new pixel light elements even in the central part, or in the generous rear diffuser that pairs with the mid-height spoiler.
The use of colors (by the way, the matte red is beautiful) creates an optical effect that enhances the perception of an aerodynamic shape, virtually lowering the vehicle's silhouette.
Aerodynamic details are well crafted, with air intakes, flush door handles (though mechanical), and clad alloy wheels, achieving a good drag coefficient of 0.263.
Thus, a compact Aero Hatch that is roomy on the inside. The wheelbase of 2,680 mm allows for up to 5 adults to be accommodated, with more than decent space, thanks also to the completely flat floor. The platform is indeed the usual E-GMP, optimized in this case for a 400-volt architecture. This means that battery charging isn't instantaneous, taking about 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80%, but it does offer the 22 kW option for the AC onboard charger.
The battery will be 42.2 kWh or 61 kWh, with ranges of 344 km and 496 km respectively. This is paired with two electric motors, either 107 kW (147 hp) or 99.5 kW (135 hp), the latter associated with the larger battery.
Back on board, there are two significant novelties. For the first time, Hyundai uses a configuration with a large central horizontal display, either 12.9" or 14.6" depending on the versions, paired with a small display in a high and rear position. It seems to be a 'traditional' solution for electric cars, which the company had not yet explored. Also, the operating system is a new entry, because for the first time in Europe we will have Pleos Connect, based on Android Automotive OS, on which a package of ready-to-use apps will run, but additional content can also be downloaded from the usual store.
Technology is a must-have, especially in the Ioniq range. Alongside simple features like the digital key, we will also find Plug&Charge and V2L, to power external electrical devices with battery energy.
The ADAS equipment is rich, featuring Highway Driving Assist 2 for highway driving, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, to manage maneuvers even remotely.
There will be this and much more to discover once we can test it, likely around the beginning of summer, a period when Hyundai will also announce the prices. For now, lips are sealed, although they revealed that the starting price will be below 30,000 euros.
Characteristics
| Feature | Standard Range | Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,155 mm / 4,170 mm (N Line version) | |
| Width / Height | 1,800 mm / 1,505 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm | |
| Weight | 1,550 - 1,580 kg | |
| Boot Capacity | 441 L (322 L + 119 L Megabox) | |
| Battery and Range | ||
| Battery Capacity | 42.2 kWh | 61 kWh |
| Range (combined WLTP) | 344 km | 496 km |
| DC Charging (10-80%) | ~ 29 min | ~ 30 min |
| AC Charging (V2X) | 11 kW | 11 kW (Standard) / 22 kW (Opt.) |
| Motor and Performance | ||
| Motor Power | 107.8 kW (147 hp) | 99.5 kW (135 hp) |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm | |
| Max Speed | 170 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 9.0 s | 9.6 s |
| Drag Coefficient (Cx) | 0.263 | |
| Design and Wheels | ||
| Tires | From 205/65 R16 to 225/45 R19 | |
| Exterior Colors | Atlas White, Phantom Black, Lumen Gray, Aurora Gray, Vibrant Blue, Ice Blue, Fierce Red (Solid/Matte) | |
| Interior Colors | Black, Beige/Gray, Light Blue/Gray, Black with red details (N Line) |