Hyundai has confirmed UK pricing and specifications for the new IONIQ 3, its compact electric Aero Hatch that will enter the market with prices starting from £22,245 OTR and an expected maximum driving range of up to 308 miles.
Positioned as an affordable and practical entry into Hyundai’s expanding IONIQ electric range, the new model combines a B-segment footprint with an interior designed to deliver the space, technology and versatility normally associated with larger cars.
Two battery options will be offered, while a 400-volt electrical architecture supports fast DC charging and AC charging at up to 11kW.
New ‘Art of Steel’ design
The IONIQ 3 brings Hyundai’s latest ‘Art of Steel’ design language to the compact electric car sector.
Its Aero Hatch profile has been shaped around aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining useful passenger and luggage space, with Hyundai targeting a drag coefficient of approximately 0.263.
Signature pixel lighting provides a visual link with other models in the IONIQ family, while customers looking for a more sporting appearance will be offered the range-topping N Line Evo.
This gains redesigned N Line front and rear styling, a larger and wider rear spoiler, lower diffuser, black mirror caps, N Line badging and bespoke 19-inch black alloy wheels.
Pleos Connect makes European Hyundai debut
The IONIQ 3 will also become the first European Hyundai to feature the company’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS.
Depending on specification, the system uses either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch display, providing access to navigation, connectivity and vehicle functions.
Technology available across the range includes Hyundai Digital Key 2, Plug & Charge, an integrated EV route planner and interior and exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
Another notable feature is Memory Reverse Assist, which can memorise the previous 50 metres of driving inputs and reproduce them when required. The system is designed to make manoeuvres such as reversing out of confined parking spaces easier.
Bigger inside than its footprint suggests
Despite its B-segment exterior dimensions, Hyundai has placed a strong emphasis on interior packaging.
An open-bridge floating centre console helps create additional usable cabin space, while adjustable cup holders can accommodate larger drinks bottles.
There’s also a Megabox underfloor storage area, with total luggage capacity reaching 441 litres.
IONIQ 3 Advance – from £22,245
The range opens with the IONIQ 3 Advance, priced from £22,245 OTR.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, rear-view monitor and smart key with push-button start.
A 12.9-inch infotainment display incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while smart cruise control with stop-and-go and an electronic parking brake are also standard.
Safety equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and High Beam Assist.
Advance customers can choose between two powertrains.
The 42kWh battery and 147PS motor combination is expected to provide up to 213 miles of range, while a 61kWh battery with a 135PS motor increases the expected range to 308 miles.
The 61kWh Advance starts from £25,745, or £24,245 with either the Hyundai Reservation Saving or anticipated ECG, where applicable.
IONIQ 3 Premium – from £27,445
Moving up to Premium brings 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, battery heating and pre-conditioning and a 9.9-inch digital information cluster.
Further additions include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electrically folding mirrors, wireless smartphone charging, seat-back pockets, a solar windscreen and height adjustment for the front passenger seat.
An optional EV Pack adds a heat pump and Vehicle-to-Load functionality.
All Premium models use the 61kWh, 135PS powertrain, with an expected maximum range of 303 miles.
Prices start from £27,445, reducing to £25,945 with either the Hyundai Reservation Saving or anticipated ECG, where applicable.
IONIQ 3 Ultimate – from £29,945
The Ultimate specification increases the equipment level further, adding 18-inch alloy wheels and navigation to the 12.9-inch infotainment system.
Matrix LED headlights with a dynamic welcome function are included alongside heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear-seat armrest, front-seat lumbar support, rear air vents, reclining rear seats and ambient interior lighting.
Driver assistance is upgraded with Highway Drive Assist, hands-on detection and navigation-based smart cruise control.
Ultimate customers can also choose from several option packs. The EV Pack adds V2L and a heat pump, while the Design Pack introduces Vision and a two-tone roof.
A Comfort Pack brings a broader selection of luxury equipment, including premium relaxation seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio and Digital Key 2.0.
Powered exclusively by the 61kWh battery and 135PS motor, the Ultimate offers an expected range of up to 300 miles.
Prices start from £29,945, or £28,445 with either the Hyundai Reservation Saving or anticipated ECG, where applicable.
IONIQ 3 N Line Evo – from £31,945
At the top of the range sits the IONIQ 3 N Line Evo, priced from £31,945.
Alongside its more aggressive exterior styling and 19-inch N Line alloy wheels, the flagship receives a larger 14.6-inch infotainment display with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Inside are suede and cloth N Line seats and a dedicated N Line cabin treatment with red detailing.
Technology is also enhanced with a surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, 360-degree parking sensors, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Memory Reverse Assist.
The N Line Evo uses the same 61kWh, 135PS powertrain, although its larger wheels and sportier specification reduce the expected maximum range to 265 miles.
Pricing falls to £30,445 with either the Hyundai Reservation Saving or anticipated ECG, where applicable.
Hyundai IONIQ 3: key UK figures
| Version | Battery | Power | Expected range | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance | 42kWh | 147PS | 213 miles | £22,245 |
| Advance | 61kWh | 135PS | 308 miles | £25,745 |
| Premium | 61kWh | 135PS | 303 miles | £27,445 |
| Ultimate | 61kWh | 135PS | 300 miles | £29,945 |
| N Line Evo | 61kWh | 135PS | 265 miles | £31,945 |
Motoring Echo Verdict
The IONIQ 3 could prove to be one of Hyundai’s most significant electric cars yet.
A £22,245 starting price places it firmly in affordable-EV territory, but the more important figure could be the 308-mile expected range available from the 61kWh Advance. That combination of price, range and everyday practicality gives Hyundai a potentially compelling proposition for buyers who have previously found electric cars either too expensive or too compromised.
Add a 441-litre luggage capacity, sophisticated driver-assistance technology and features including Plug & Charge, V2L and the new Pleos Connect system, and the IONIQ 3 appears considerably more ambitious than its compact dimensions suggest.
The N Line Evo gives the range a distinctive sporting flagship, although its 265-mile expected range highlights the efficiency trade-off associated with the larger 19-inch wheels and more aggressive specification.
For most buyers, the 61kWh Advance could be the sweet spot, combining the IONIQ 3’s longest expected range with a comparatively accessible price.
With the UK compact EV market becoming increasingly competitive, Hyundai has clearly aimed to make the IONIQ 3 competitive not simply on price, but on range, technology, space and usability.
