This is the new Hyundai Ioniq 3

The covers are off the striking Hyundai Ioniq 3 making this the first compact electric hatchback from Hyundai

With this being this sitting below the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9 this is the second smallest electric Hyundai sitting at 4.1 meters long. With this size it rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.Polo, Renault 5, Cupra Raval and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. It will also rival its brother the Kia EV2 on which it shares its platform, battery and motor with.

Because the Ioniq 3 is shared with the EV2 it gets the same 400v system which includes a 42.2 kWh standard range battery or a long range 61 kWh battery. The smaller versions are quotes 208 miles while the long range is quotes 304 miles. Both up on the EV2 thanks to its sleek and aerodynamic design. Power range is mid range compared to its rivals with the standard range getting a 144 bhp motor and the long range getting a 134 bhp motor.

So, what is the design like then. Well considering the Ioniq 5, 6 and 9 were all way out, the Ioniq 3 is no different. based on Hyundai's 'Art of Steel' design language we still get the pixel style led segments from the other Ioniq cars and we also get a similar front end to the Ioniq 6 with its slim headlight design. We also get this black area lower down too. Around the side is where the magic really takes hold though with its sharp creases and straight edges giving this car a very sporty and unique look. We also get some flush door handles and a lot of gloss black cladding to give the car a sporty look. Round the back we get again a unique design with more pixel and Gloss black designs. For me this car could almost be a spiritual successor to the Hyundai Veloster.

Inside the Ioniq 3 and this is where we get to see the next generation of Hyundai interiors. To start with we get a very open but driver focused interior with a high centre console and a lot of storage places, more on that in a moment. You can either have a 12.9 inch or this 14.6 inch infotainment system which runs Android Automotive called 'Pleos' which isn't too bad to use and is quite similar to a Tesla infotainment system strangely. Unlike that one though there are still physical controls for your climate and radio and you also get a tiny instrument cluster which shows you relevant information. The steering wheel is also quite unique looking and it feels quite sporty too but thankfully it does have physical buttons. The seas are typical Hyundai so they are quite comfy and the rear space is also quite decent with a few nice touches that you don't usually see on cheaper cars in this segment.

Now in terms of practicality considering this is based on the Kia EV2 which isn't the most practical electric hatchback the Ioniq 3 gets a much bigger boot at 440 litres and you can also comfortably sit 2 people in the back although headroom could be better but that is compromised because of the sporty looks.

The Hyundai Ioniq 3 price hasn't been announced yet but it should start around the £25,000 mark and deliveries should start by summer time.

What do you think to the new Hyundai Ioniq 3. Let me know in the comment section below and whilst you are at it don't forget to subscribe to the Official Everything Cars and More Youtube Channel.