Hyundai is working on the development of the IONIQ 3, based on Kia's EV3

Hyundai is set to expand its IONIQ series of electric models, once again following in the footsteps of its sister company Kia, as has just happened with the new IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s alternative to the well-known Kia EV9. After the launch of this seven-seat electric SUV, the South Korean manufacturer has now turned its attention to a much more affordable model.

According to a recent report, Hyundai is currently working on the development of a new compact SUV that will be named IONIQ 3 and will be a model equivalent to Kia’s EV3.

According to the report, the manufacturer’s intention with this launch is to offer more affordable alternatives within the IONIQ range, with a particular focus on the European market, where this type of vehicle enjoys great popularity. Hyundai has already shown in the past its interest in adapting its launch schedule to the specific needs of different markets. Marketing a model like the IONIQ 3 would fit perfectly with this strategy, focusing in this case on the European market, just as the IONIQ 9 was developed primarily with the North American market in mind, where large SUVs enjoy a high level of demand.

What can we expect from the future IONIQ 3?

The Kia EV3, like the rest of the new-generation electric vehicles from Hyundai/Kia, is based on the E-GMP platform, although in this case with some modifications to reduce costs, since its architecture is 400V instead of 800V. It is to be expected that Hyundai will follow the same steps with the future IONIQ 3, giving the vehicle a completely distinctive design nonetheless. Some speculation suggests that the South Korean manufacturer could borrow some stylistic elements from the IONIQ 9, such as the pixelated front and rear lights, although this remains a rumour that has not been confirmed.

As for the specifications of the IONIQ 3, we can practically take for granted that they will hardly differ from those of Kia’s EV3, as is the case with the other sister models of both brands – IONIQ 5/EV6 or IONIQ 9/EV9. Therefore, presumably two battery packs will be offered to choose from, with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh of capacity, offering 436 or 605 km of range, respectively. Always bearing in mind that, depending on the aerodynamic design of the future IONIQ 3, these figures could vary slightly.

On the other hand, the powertrain will probably be the same as in the Kia EV3 with 150 kW of power. In this case, however, it is not out of the question that Hyundai may offer a version with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, unlike what currently happens with the Kia EV3.

Finally, with regard to the selling price of this future IONIQ 3, we can expect the various versions on sale to fall within a price range in Europe similar to that of its sister model produced by Kia, standing at approximately between 35,000 and 40,000 euros before aid or subsidies.

If everything goes as planned, the official presentation of the new IONIQ 3 will take place next year, although a more precise date is unknown, and the first deliveries will take place shortly afterwards.