The Hyundai IONIQ 3 is drawing unprecedented attention ahead of its launch, with the company saying the compact electric hatchback has generated the highest level of customer interest ever recorded for a new Hyundai model. Prices have also emerged in the UK, with the entry-level version listed at under $30,000.
Hyundai Reveals UK Pricing for the IONIQ 3
The Hyundai IONIQ 3 made its first public appearance on the road in the UK during the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday, ahead of its expected launch later this year.
Hyundai said the IONIQ 3 has attracted the “highest-ever level of customer interest recorded for a new Hyundai model,” across both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles.
With customer orders expected to open soon, Hyundai confirmed the IONIQ 3 is expected to start at under £25,000, or approximately $33,500.
Meanwhile, Vertu Motors has already listed the entry-level Hyundai IONIQ 3 Standard Range model at £22,245, or about $29,800.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The IONIQ 3 will be offered in Standard Range and Extended Range configurations across four trim levels: Advance, Premium, Ultimate, and N-Line Evo. Hyundai also plans to add the high-performance IONIQ 3 N to the lineup.
- Advance (42 kWh): £22,245 ($29,800)
- Advance (61 kWh): £25,745 ($34,500)
- Premium (61 kWh): £27,445 ($37,000)
- Ultimate (61 kWh): £29,945 ($40,000)
- N-Line Evo (61 kWh): £31,945 ($42,700)
Compact Design With a New Identity
As Hyundai’s first compact electric vehicle in the IONIQ family, the IONIQ 3 is positioned as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the IONIQ 5.
Although it belongs to the same model lineup, the vehicle introduces Hyundai’s new “Aero Hatch” design. According to the company, the design reimagines the compact EV silhouette while achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.263, which Hyundai says is the best in its class.
The IONIQ 3 measures 4,155 mm (163.5 inches) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) in width, and 1,505 mm (59.3 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm (105.5 inches).
Hyundai says the compact hatchback offers more interior space than its exterior dimensions suggest, including a luggage capacity of 441 liters that the company expects to “set the benchmark in the segment.”
Hyundai Highlights Strong Customer Demand
Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai Motor UK, said the IONIQ 3 will “open up electric driving to a whole new group of customers.”
“The fact that we’re already seeing record levels of interest before it’s even gone on sale tells us everything we need to know about its appeal,” Andrew added.
Battery Options, Driving Range, and Charging
Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 3 will be available with two battery options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh.
The 42.2 kWh Standard Range version delivers a WLTP driving range of up to 213 miles (344 km), while the 61 kWh Extended Range model offers up to 308 miles (496 km).
Unlike the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 3 uses a 400V electrical architecture instead of an 800V system to reduce costs.
With DC fast charging, the Standard Range battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes. The 61 kWh battery completes the same charge in around 30 minutes.
New Pleos Connect OS Debuts in Europe and the UK
The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first vehicle in Europe and the UK to feature the company’s new Pleos Connect operating system and infotainment platform.
Based on Android Automotive OS, the system uses a smartphone-like interface that Hyundai says is similar to Tesla’s approach.
Buyers can choose between 12.9-inch and 14.6-inch center infotainment displays, with an optional driver display also available.
Hyundai is also reintroducing physical controls for climate functions, audio, and other key features beneath the center display and on the steering wheel.
The infotainment system includes Gleo AI, Hyundai’s AI companion that learns and adapts to provide a more personalized user experience.
The Hyundai IONIQ 3 combines a sub-$30,000 starting price for its entry-level UK-listed model, multiple battery options, new infotainment technology, and record customer interest as it prepares to arrive later this year.
