Hyundai is gearing up for the debut of a new concept at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich that resembles a baby hot hatch in the official teasers. Called the Concept Three, it is widely expected to evolve into the Ioniq 3, the first small EV in the growing Ioniq lineup.

A design sketch hints at a sleek, low-slung hatchback with aggressive aero elements and oversized wheels. Hyundai describes the styling approach as an “Aero Hatch” typology, a way of rethinking the traditional compact EV silhouette. While striking on paper, recent spy photos suggest that the production model will settle into a more conventional five-door hatchback form.

More: Hyundai Prepares Big Changes For Its Small Hatchback

The model incorporates the “Art of Steel” styling language, originally introduced by the Initium FCEV concept last year. Earlier teasers suggest it will have full-width LED bars for the headlights and the taillights, similar to the facelifted Ioniq 6 sedan. We can also see sporty bumper intakes, a pronounced chin, flared fenders, and an integrated ducktail spoiler.

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center said that the goal of the concept was “to rethink the compact EV from the ground up”, describing it as a “beautifully proportioned sculpture.

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What About The Production Model?

Our spy photographers have recently spotted a camouflaged prototype, which is believed to be the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3 (previously referred to as the Ioniq 2). Some elements are consistent with the teasers, although they have been toned-down for production. Still, no one can rule out a potential N-branded version for the future with a similar bodykit and performance gains.

More: Kia’s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models

The new EV will be the smallest member of the Ioniq family yet. It will most likely be positioned between the Inster and the Kona Electric crossovers, serving as a zero-emission alternative to the ICE-powered i20 and i30 hatchbacks.

Powertrain and Platform

Chances are that the Hyundai Ioniq 3 will share the E-GMP architecture with the Kia EV2 and EV3 crossovers. This means it could be powered by a single electric motor with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), sourcing energy from a 58.3 kWh or a 81.4 kWh battery pack. Furthermore, the platform is compatible with dual-motor setups.

The Ioniq 3 will compete with other electric subcompact hatchbacks including the Renault 5 E-Tech, the Nissan Micra, the Peugeot E-208, the Opel Corsa Electric, the Citroen e-C3, and the BYD Dolphin. It will also rival the production version of the VW ID.2all concept and the upcoming Cupra Raval.

According to the latest reports, the production model could hit the market in mid 2026. Before that happens, we will see the concept at the IAA Mobility 2025, which will be held in Munich, Germany, between September 9 and 14.

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Kia has introduced a slew of affordable electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV4. The company has also shown an EV2 concept, which is headed for production.

Hyundai, on the other hand, has been focused on larger and more expensive vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 N and the Ioniq 9. However, an affordable model is on the way as spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the Ioniq 2.

More: Kia EV2 Spied As An Affordable Electric Box

The prototype is heavily disguised, but appears to be roughly the same size as the EV2. Despite the similarities, the Kia is positioned as a crossover while the Ioniq 2 is a more traditional hatchback. It sports an upright front fascia with a wide lower intake. They’re joined by an angular sensor and what appears to be slender lighting units.

The profile screams hatchback and the car features a gently sloping roof. We can also see a compact greenhouse as there’s a curvaceous sweeping beltline, which is contrasted by angular upper window frames. Hyundai also gave the prototype a set of modestly sized wheels, which are wrapped in Hankook iON GT rubber. These are summer tires designed specifically for compact electric vehicles.

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The rear end isn’t as tall as the camouflage suggests, but it appears the Ioniq 2 will have an upright rump with a relatively plain bumper. We can also get a glimpse of LED taillights and an angular rear window.

Little is known about the car at this point, but it will presumably have a lot in common with the EV2 as well as the EV3. This means it should ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and have a 58.3 kWh battery pack. They could be joined by a front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).

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