Hyundai may be planning an EV3 offshoot called the Ioniq 3

According to the British magazine Auto Express, Hyundai is planning several “Euro-centric small cars” for its Ioniq range, which will be positioned below the Ioniq 5. The magazine bases its assumption on statements by Simon Loasby, head of Hyundai’s global design centre. When asked specifically whether Hyundai was considering producing more localised models for specific market needs, Loasby replied: “If there’s a need, if there’s a volume, and we have a brand that can take on that volume and do something, then why not?”

The Kia EV3, a compact crossover based on the E-GMP, proves that the Hyundai Motor Group already recognises the need for an electric B-segment model. As a technical basis already exists with the Kia model (the cheaper 400-volt version of the familiar E platform), it is easy for Hyundai to bring out its own model. In its rendering of a possible Ioniq 3, Auto Express was inspired by the design of the large electric SUV Ioniq 9, which was recently unveiled at the LA Auto Show in the US. The black element at the front, the continuous light strip, the shape of the headlights and the steep rear end are clearly based on the Ioniq 9. However, it is not known whether the model will actually look like that. So far, Hyundai has given each E-GMP model its own look, with the only unifying design element being the pixel lights.

In terms of drive technology, significant changes to the EV3 are unlikely. The Ioniq 3 will thus likely offer a range of up to 600 kilometres. That would be the long-range version with an 81.4 kWh battery. In the standard-range version, 58.3 kWh are installed in the underbody – for a WLTP range of around 430 kilometres. Both versions of the EV3 are powered by a 150 kW motor on the front axle, but an all-wheel drive model with a second electric motor on the rear axle has been announced. With prices of 35,990 and 41,390 euros in Germany, respectively, the EV3 should also show the rough range for the Hyundai model.

Loasby’s further statements on another e-GMP model below the Ioniq 5 don’t exactly sound like a denial. “As long as we can satisfy our board that this is worth doing, nothing’s off the table with Hyundai,” he said. “And the speed we react to stuff is nuts.” Auto Express thus believes that the Ioniq 3 could be unveiled next year.

That naturally raises questions about the future of the Hyundai Kona Electric – after all, the brand already has an e-crossover in its programme below the Ioniq 5. Even with the second-generation Kona, its DC charging performance and, above all, its price are major points of criticism. After the premiere of the EV3, Kia withdrew the Niro EV (at least in Germany), which is related to the Kona, from the market because the EV3 offers better technology at significantly lower prices. It would make sense for Hyundai to at least take the battery-electric version off the market – although that (like the Ioniq 3 itself) has, of course, not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Auto Express goes one step further and promises the premiere of a Hyundai Ioniq 2 for 2026. At the beginning of November, a heavily camouflaged small electric car was photographed around the Rüsselsheim development centre, which is said to be a Kia EV2 based on the E-GMP. According to an article in Auto Express, the EV2 will be offered at prices similar to the Hyundai Inster – i.e., from around 24,000 euros. However, it is unclear whether it is true that two Hyundai Motor Group brands will launch similarly priced small electric cars on different platforms – especially as the Inster was able to impress with its technology during an initial test drive in South Korea.

autoexpress.co.uk (Loasby), autoexpress.co.uk (Erlkönig)