Hyundai Ioniq 3: New electric hatchback launching in October

The new Hyundai Ioniq 3 is coming to Ireland in October

Hyundai is preparing to expand its growing electric vehicle line-up in Ireland with the arrival of the all-new Ioniq 3, a compact electric hatchback due in showrooms this October and starting from under €30,000.

Positioned as a practical, family-friendly model in the B-segment but offering space closer to a larger C-segment car, the Ioniq 3 has been designed from the outset as an electric vehicle. It features a distinctive aerodynamic hatchback profile, with a low front end and a sharply defined roofline aimed at maximising efficiency and driving range.

Range up to 490km

Hyundai says the car will be available with two battery options. A Standard Range version is expected to deliver up to 344km (WLTP), while a Long Range model is targeting up to 490km, class-leading for its segment. Fast charging capability will allow the battery to charge from 10-80% in around 29 minutes, with AC charging up to 22kW available.

The Ioniq 3 will also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power external devices directly from the car.

Inside, Hyundai is focusing on comfort and space. Despite its compact footprint, the Ioniq 3 offers five seats, a flat floor and a relatively high roofline over the rear passengers to improve headroom. The cabin design takes inspiration from 1970s Italian furniture, with soft, natural materials intended to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. “Relaxation seats” that can fully recline will also be available.

Boot space is 441 litres, including additional storage under the boot floor.

New infotainment system

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3 introduces the brand’s new infotainment system based on an Android operating system, with either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch display depending on trim. A driver display positioned above the steering wheel and the retention of physical buttons aim to balance digital functionality with ease of use.

On the outside, Hyundai’s signature pixel lighting returns, this time featuring a four-dot motif representing the letter “H” in Morse code. Wheel sizes will range from 16 to 19 inches, with a sportier N Line version offered at the top of the range.

Five trim levels are planned, with a heat pump fitted as standard on all but the entry-level model – a move Hyundai says reflects its focus on real-world efficiency.

Hyundai leads EV sales in Ireland

The new model arrives at a time of strong momentum for Hyundai in selling plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The brand is currently the bestselling electric and plug-in hybrid manufacturer in the country, holding a 16.5% share of the PHEV market and leading EV sales ahead of Volkswagen and Kia.

Hyundai already has more than 8,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads, with models such as the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 contributing to its strong performance.