The Hyundai Concept Three Is Our First Glimpse At The Upcoming Ioniq 3 EV

• The Hyundai Concept Three previews the automaker’s upcoming compact EV. 
• The name of the series model has not been confirmed yet, but all signs point to Ioniq 3 as the best candidate.
• Measuring nearly 169 inches long, the concept fits perfectly between the entry-level Inster and popular Ioniq 5 crossover.

Hyundai is serious about expanding its electric car portfolio, and the Concept Three sits front and center in this plan. Judging by its name and how Hyundai worded the press release, we’re more than likely looking at what will eventually become the Ioniq 3.

Measuring 168.7 inches (4,287 millimeters) long and 76.3 in (1,940 mm) wide, the Hyundai Concept Three is a no-frills compact hatchback that has a spot between the charming entry-level Inster and popular Ioniq 5 electric crossover.

If that’s not a good enough sign that the Three will morph into the Ioniq 3, the Korean automaker said the show car is the first compact EV concept under the Ioniq sub-brand. That pretty much settles it, I think, and it’s great news for people who are still waiting for a bold compact EV that’s not a Volkswagen ID.3.

Still, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself here. This is purely a concept car, and it’s likely that the road-going model will be somewhat toned down. That said, Hyundai has a habit of retaining a lot of concept car elements on its production models, like the pixelated lights and general shape of the body.

In the Concept Three’s case, the so-called Parametric Pixel lighting now has a gradient, which Hyundai says adds depth and “visual rhythm” to the overall design. The body panels are finished in an anodized finish, and there’s lemon-tinted glass that matches the wheels and interior. Meanwhile, the vertical tailgate is similar to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the front lights are akin to the refreshed Ioniq 6.

Inside, the futuristic electric compact hatchback is adorned in soft yellow and grey surfaces, with sustainable materials such as ocean waste textiles and lightweight aluminum foam being used throughout the cabin. Instead of a traditional gauge cluster and infotainment screen, several square screens and control surfaces are mounted in front of the steering wheel. A fictional character called Mr. Pix is a fun little extra integrated into the design.

There’s no word on power or range, but this is a concept car, after all, so it doesn’t really matter. When the production model comes, it will probably use Hyundai Motor Group’s latest Pleos software architecture, which means it could sport Apple CarPlay Ultra. Range-wise, the similarly sized Kia EV3 has two battery options, with either 58.3 kilowatt-hours or 81.4 kWh. The first is rated for 270 miles of range, while the latter is good for 375 miles on the optimistic WLTP cycle.

We also don’t know when the production version of the Three will hit the streets, but it will be until 2030, as Hyundai is planning on offering no fewer than 21 EVs globally by the end of the decade.