Hyundai IONIQ 3 Electric Hatchback Makes UK Debut: From £22,245, Sets New Brand Record for Pre-Order Interest

The all-new Hyundai compact electric hatchback, the IONIQ 3, made its first public road-test appearance in the UK at Goodwood Festival of Speed — marking its upcoming European launch later this year. According to official Hyundai statements, the vehicle has already generated the 'highest level of customer interest in Hyundai's history', surpassing both previous internal combustion and electric models.

Although formal orders have not yet opened, pricing for the IONIQ 3 is already live on Vertu Motors' UK website: the entry-level Standard Range Advance trim starts at £22,245 (approx. $29,800), comfortably under the $30,000 threshold. The lineup offers two battery options — Standard and Extended Range — and four trims: Advance, Premium, Ultimate, and N-Line Evo. A high-performance IONIQ 3 N variant will also join the range.

As the first compact electric model in the IONIQ family, the IONIQ 3 is positioned as a smaller, more affordable sibling to the IONIQ 5. It adopts a new 'Aero Hatch' design language, which Hyundai says 'redefines the silhouette of compact EVs', achieving an industry-leading drag coefficient of just 0.263. Its dimensions are 4,155 mm × 1,800 mm × 1,505 mm, with a 2,680 mm wheelbase — slightly shorter than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Kia EV3 — but offering a generous 441-litre boot capacity, which Hyundai claims 'sets a new benchmark for the segment'.

Built on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 3 uses a more cost-effective 400V electrical architecture (versus the IONIQ 5's 800V system). Two battery capacities are available: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh. The smaller pack delivers up to 344 km (213 miles) WLTP range; the larger one reaches up to 496 km (308 miles). For DC fast charging, the 42.2 kWh battery goes from 10% to 80% in ~29 minutes, while the 61 kWh version takes ~30 minutes.

This is the first Hyundai model launched in Europe and the UK to feature the all-new Pleos Connect infotainment system — built on Android Automotive OS, with a UI inspired by Tesla. It supports either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central touchscreen and offers an optional digital instrument cluster. Physical controls make a return: dedicated buttons for climate, audio, and other frequently used functions are placed below the screen and on the steering wheel. The system includes Gleo AI — an embedded AI assistant capable of learning and adapting over time.

Ashley Andrew, CEO of Hyundai UK, said: 'The IONIQ 3 opens up electric mobility to an entirely new audience. Breaking records for pre-launch interest — even before sales begin — speaks volumes about its appeal.'