The buzz around Hyundai’s performance EVs is growing, and while the electric Ioniq 5 N has impressed critics, its steep price tag keeps it from being the natural successor to the popular i30 N hot hatch, which disappeared from Europe under tighter emissions rules That gap in the lineup could soon be filled by the smaller Ioniq 3, though Hyundai has reportedly considered badging it as the 2 or even the 4.

More: Hyundai’s Smallest Ioniq Looks Like A Veloster From Outer Space

The sporty hatchback was previewed in Munich this week with the Hyundai Concept Three, a show car with a playful, offbeat character that called to mind a modern Veloster reimagined for the electric era, though Hyundai downplayed the resemblance and described it simply as a compact hatchback.

Could Hyundai Build an Ioniq 3 N?

Hints about a performance-focused Ioniq 3 have already come from within the company. Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, suggested the idea is under serious consideration, telling Auto Express: “The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.”

At the same time, the hot hatch project has yet to receive official approval. Martinet acknowledged the uncertainty around demand, noting, “The question is always if there is customer demand? Is there a market? How do you make your car the one that customers want to buy? Generating its emotions is fundamental.”

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of styling, addressed why the concept car carried no N branding. “It is an opportunity. We’re not calling it N, it’s not approved yet. But I think everyone in the company is realizing what Europe needs, and that’s compact hot hatches, so it’s a topic for discussion.”

What the Production Model Will Look Like

The new Ioniq 3 (or whatever Hyundai calls it) is expected to arrive in mid-2026, serving as the electric equivalent of the aging i30. Recent spy shots suggest that the production EV will adopt a sleek hatchback silhouette with a sloping roofline. Unlike the Concept Three that features a Veloster-inspired asymmetrical door layout, the Ioniq 3 will have a more conventional five-door body.

More: Hyundai Is Giving Its N Cars A Big Powertrain Shakeup And One Loses A Manual

For now, the concept makes a striking impression with its wide fenders, splitter, transparent ducktail spoiler, and a diffuser housing speakers styled to look like twin exhaust tips, which it doesn’t have, of course. A slightly toned down version of this aggressive look could suit a potential Ioniq 3 N, especially if paired with a dual-motor setup and chassis tuned for handling.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

When Could It Arrive?

If approved, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N could arrive around 2027, joining the existing Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. The company has also confirmed that it is working on a new generation of the i20 N hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, and a new Elantra N sedan with a gasoline engine.

Of course, Hyundai won’t be alone in the electric hot hatch market. The upcoming VW ID. Polo GTI will compete with the Peugeot 208 GTi, Alpine A290, and Mini JCW Electric in the subcompact segment. Still, an updated version of the larger VW ID.3 GTX that will likely adopt the GTI moniker sounds like a more fitting rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Just when we thought the action from Germany’s Munich Motor Show was winding down, Hyundai goes and drops what could be the car of the show. And the word is the Concept Three will morph into a fully fledged production EV that looks almost identical in 2026.

Likely to be badged the Ioniq 3 when production starts in Europe next year, the compact EV is built to rival the upcoming VW ID. Golf, and at 4,288 mm (168.8 inches) long will be a similar size. But the Golf won’t look anything like as dynamic, based on the coupe-like shape, sloping roofline and sports car-low nose of the Concept Three.

A New Kind Of Hatchback

Hyundai calls the Three an Aero Hatch, saying the combination of the sporty roof, visual tension from the intersecting lines created by the ‘Art of Steel’ design language and the upright rear window blend performance and practicality. We just know it looks awesome, like a de-uglified Veloster for the electric age, this time with two rear doors instead of one.

Related: This Electric Hatch May Be Hyundai’s Best-Looking Ioniq Yet

Regular versions of the production EV won’t look quite as aggressive or feature the gullwing rear doors, Hyundai Design Centre boss Simon Loasby told Autocar, but you can see how elements such as the rear diffuser, transparent rear spoiler and fat fender flares could translate to an N performance version down the line.

Hyundai

Playing With Light

More than most automakers, Hyundai has embraced lighting tech to help give its cars unique identities and the the Concept Three is no different. Parametric Pixel lighting is employed at both ends of the car, but this time the pixels are more sophisticated, a gradient making the upper ones brighter.

Inside, the Concept Three makes a firm break from established Hyundai design themes. There’s no large touchscreen, instead drivers bring their own widgets to mount on the dashboard and customise their experience. The pod-like bucket seats are upholstered in sustainable fabrics and a weird handle on the console makes it look there’s an in-built Dust Buster.

What’s Underneath

Hyundai hasn’t revealed any tech details but logic suggests an Ioniq 3 would be closely related to models like sister company Kia’s EV4, which would mean 400 rather than 800-volt electrics, but a choice of single and dual motor configurations. We expect to see two battery options and around 390 miles (628 km) of range for the best performing models.

Hyundai

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.

Hyundai

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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