The Hyundai Ioniq 3 combines useful range, practicality and a remarkably low price, writes James Stinson
The electric car price war is gathering pace and Hyundai’s latest offering could be one of the most interesting yet.
The new Ioniq 3 is a compact five-door electric hatchback offering more than 300 miles of range, useful family-car practicality and, thanks in part to the Government’s Electric Car Grant, a starting price comfortably below £20,000.
That puts it firmly into territory occupied by increasingly capable small EVs such as the Renault 5, Citroen e-C3 and BYD Dolphin, while larger-battery versions also provide an alternative to more expensive models.
A different take on the EV3
Underneath, the Ioniq 3 is closely related to its corporate cousin, the Kia EV3, sharing core EV hardware with the Kia. But Hyundai has deliberately given its car a different character.
Where the EV3 is a fairly upright, boxy compact SUV, the Ioniq 3 is lower and more hatchback-like. Hyundai calls it an “Aero Hatch”, and its slippery shape contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.263.
It looks distinctive without being too outlandish and practicality hasn’t been completely sacrificed in pursuit of style. There are five seats and a sizeable 441-litre boot.
Customers get two battery choices. The entry-level 42kWh model uses a 145bhp motor and offers up to 213 miles of official range. Interestingly, the bigger-battery 61kWh version actually has slightly less power at 133bhp but stretches the official range to an impressive 308 miles.
Hyundai quotes 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, so this isn’t an electric hot hatch. Instead, its performance is firmly pitched at everyday driving, which is probably appropriate for a relatively affordable family EV.
Range without the wait
Charging performance is competitive rather than spectacular. Hyundai says a 10-80 per cent rapid charge can be completed in around 29 minutes. The European specification also supports AC charging at up to 22kW.
That puts the Ioniq 3 well behind the ultra-fast 800-volt charging offered by bigger and considerably more expensive EVs such as Kia’s EV6, but around half an hour for the usual rapid-charge stop should prove perfectly acceptable for most buyers.
There is some useful technology inside too. The Ioniq 3 is the first Europe-developed Hyundai to use the company’s new Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment platform.
Plenty of standard kit
The range starts with Advance, which gets 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, front and rear parking sensors, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and smart cruise control. Hyundai SmartSense safety and driver-assistance technology is also standard.
Premium sits above Advance, while Ultimate brings Matrix LED headlights, Highway Driving Assist 2, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
At the top is N Line Evo, which provides the sportiest appearance rather than a big performance boost. It gets N Line styling, 19-inch wheels and a larger 14.6-inch infotainment display, plus conveniences including Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor and Memory Reverse Assist.
Price could be its trump card
The Ioniq 3’s strongest argument, however, may be value.
Before incentives, the Advance 42kWh is £22,245, while the 61kWh Advance costs £25,745. But every version qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, dropping those figures to just £18,495 and £21,995 respectively.
Grant-inclusive prices for the 61kWh Premium and Ultimate are £23,695 and £26,195, while the flagship N Line Evo costs £28,195.
That makes the Hyundai exceptionally competitive, especially given the 308-mile potential of the 61kWh car. The Kia EV3 offers a more SUV-like shape and rivals such as the Renault 5 arguably have greater retro charm, but the Ioniq 3 counters with space, sensible technology and some eye-catching prices.
