The new electric Hyundai IONIQ 3 starts from £18,495 undercutting its petrol and electric rivals
The battle for the small electric car market is well and truly underway, and Hyundai have entered it determined to come out winning.
In a previous article, I stated that the Hyundai IONIQ 3 started at £22,000, but now we learn that the full government grant has been applied, so the starting point for Hyundai’s compact hatchback is actually £18,495 OTR for the Hyundai IONIQ 3 Advance 42 kWh, which covers 213 miles of range on the WLTP test cycle.
Step up to the larger 61 kWh battery pack, and for £21,995 customers can tap into a B-segment hatchback with 308 miles of range, which surpasses that on range compared to new larger battery Volkswagen ID.Polo, and significantly undercuts the smallest, entry-level battery ID.Polo on price.
The full range is shown below, including pricing. Hyundai even undercuts its own petrol i20 compact hatchback, whilst starting below the price of a petrol Vauxhall Corsa, too.
Hyundai IONIQ 3 Range
Prices are extremely competitive, not just against other small EVs, but they beat petrol cars on price, too.
Ashley Andrew, President, Hyundai Motor UK, said: "The response to IONIQ 3 has been extraordinary, with more customers registering their interest before launch than for any new Hyundai we've introduced in the UK. Securing the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant across every version means we can now turn that interest into orders at a price that puts a genuinely spacious, long-range electric car within reach of far more drivers. With cars arriving in our retailers this month, we’re expecting its popularity to continue as more potential buyers manage to get behind the wheel.”
The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 3 is a five-seat compact electric car, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and shaped by Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language, with a drag coefficient of 0.263 cd.
But this isn’t just another cramped city dwelling hatchback, because the boot is enormous at 441-litre boot, plus when the rear seats are folded down that load area extends to 1213 litres. The wheelbase has also been stretched to a generous 2,680 mm, around 100 mm more than the ID.Polo. And with the 61kWh version it has a driving range of up to 308 miles, and can DC Rapid charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, enabling long distance driving with ease. This car can do proper family stuff, whether its ferrying kids and pets around, or going on long journey’s, the IONIQ 3 can do it all.
This is the first Hyundai model to feature the new ‘Pleos Connect’ infotainment system, which is based on the Android Automotive operating system, meaning it’s updatable, too. Hyundai’s SmartSense driver assistance technology is fitted as standard across the range.
The Ultimate trim adds Matrix LED headlights, Highway Driving Assist 2, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with the range-topping N Line Evo combining different exterior styling and 19-inch alloy wheels with a 14.6-inch infotainment display, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor and Memory Reverse Assist. However, this top trim takes a hit on range maxing out at 265 miles thanks to the large wheels.
To add V2L and a Heat Pump, customers will need to tick the optional ‘EV Pack’ on the order form. And the optional ‘Design Pack’ offers a Two-tone Vision Roof, whilst the ‘Comfort Pack’ comes with premium relaxation seats, heated front & rear seats, ventilated front seats, Bose Premium Audio and Digital Key 2.0.
The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 3 is available to order now from Hyundai retailers across the UK.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
