Hyundai is turning its attention to MG 4-sized electric cars with the Concept Three, which could form the basis of the i30 hatch's electric successor later this decade.
Hyundai has previewed its next electric car – a small hatch set to wear the Ioniq 3 badge – with a futuristic concept at the Munich motor show.
The Concept Three is not formally badged Ioniq 3, but it is said to form part of Hyundai's Ioniq electric-car sub-brand, and sets the tone for a new small MG 4-sized vehicle aimed at the European market.
Arrival timing for the production version is confirmed for 2026, with production to take place in Turkey.
The Ioniq 3 could serve as the indirect replacement for the petrol-powered i30 hatch, which is almost a decade old, and is not confirmed for a next-generation model like its i30 Sedan range-mate.
Measuring 4287mm long, 1940mm wide and 1428mm high, on a 2722mm wheelbase, the Concept Three is similar in length to a Volkswagen Golf or MG 4, but is wider, and adopts sportier styling for a more coupe-like appearance.
It wears Hyundai's new 'Art of Steel' design language, with gentle curves intersected with sharp creases, as well as the Parametric Pixel dot-style light designs seen on the brand's other models.
The concept wears an anodised-effect body finish claimed to reference the design language, with futuristic yellow-tinted glass and large wheels to set it apart on the show stand.
The interior is not as production-ready as the exterior, with a yellow and purple colour scheme applied to slim armchair-like seats, and a minimalist dashboard with 'Bring Your Own Lifestyle' customisable tiles that can be swapped out and rearranged.
Hyundai highlights a "symbolic character" throughout the car named 'Mr. Pix', which it claims "evokes curiosity, joy and emotional connection".
Ocean waste-based textiles, and lightweight aluminium foam are used throughout the vehicle.
It is yet to be confirmed what will power the Ioniq 3 – or the concept – and if it will use Hyundai's current E-GMP platform, in either its lower-cost front-wheel-drive or higher-end rear-wheel-drive forms, or a new architecture.
Hyundai's N performance division has hinted at plans to develop a small electric hot hatch based on a future production model from its parent brand.
The production version is aimed at the European market, where small cars are among the most popular, and the company has found relative success with its i10, i20 and i30 petrol-powered small cars.
Hyundai says it will offer "an electrified version of every model in Europe by 2027", and launch 21 "global EV models" by 2030.
The Hyundai Concept Three is due to make its public debut at the Munich motor show's 'Open Space' this week.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
