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Hyundai rolls out new Ioniq 3 compact EV for Europe at Milan Design Week

Published: 21 Apr. 2026, 17:58

Hyundai Motor's new Ioniq 3 EV, a compact model tailored for the European market [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor unveiled its new electric vehicle, the Ioniq 3, on Monday at Milan Design Week 2026, marking the global debut of a compact model tailored for the European market.

The car is the latest addition to Hyundai’s dedicated EV lineup under the Ioniq brand, and the first small hatchback to join a range that has so far centered on larger models such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9.

Its debut underscores the automaker's push to expand its footprint in Europe, where demand for EVs is growing rapidly, but compact cars remain dominant in sales.

The Ioniq 3 follows the launch earlier this year of the EV2, a small electric model developed by Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia for the European market.

The Ioniq 3 adopts what Hyundai calls an “Aero Hatch” design — a streamlined silhouette that runs smoothly from the front fascia to the rear spoiler to reduce air resistance while maximizing interior space.

Despite its compact classification, the model features a relatively long wheelbase of 2,680 millimeters (105.5 inches), allowing for a more spacious cabin than typical vehicles in its class. It also boasts a storage compartment of 119 liters (4.2 cubic feet) beneath the trunk floor, bringing total cargo capacity to 441 liters.

Built on Hyundai Motor’s dedicated electric vehicle platform, the E-GMP, the car is equipped with a 61-kilowatt-hour battery, offering a driving range of up to 496 kilometers (308 miles) on a single charge for the long-range model.

“We expect the Ioniq 3 to play a core role in Hyundai Motor’s European EV lineup,” a company representative told the JoongAng Ilbo, highlighting the automaker’s aim to broaden its offerings across different price points and vehicle sizes across the continent.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY NAM YOON-SEO [[email protected]]