Hyundai Ioniq 3: what the compact electric SUV is like and how it drives
It is making its debut in Italia with five trim levels, two battery configurations and five power output levels, offering a claimed range of 497 km
Key points
The roads of the Romagna hinterland provide the backdrop for the road debut of the Hyundai Ioniq 3, the new electric B-SUV with which the Korean brand is entering a segment that is particularly important for the Italian market. Compact in size, yet with an interior designed to make the most of every centimetre, the Ioniq 3 combines original styling with technical features designed to meet a range of needs. Prices start at €29,900 and go up to €44,700 for the N Line Launch Edition, whilst the range comprises five trim levels.
A range designed to meet a variety of needs
The Hyundai model is available with two battery options and two power outputs. The version with a 42 kWh battery is paired with a 147 cv electric motor and offers a claimed range of around 340 km, whilst the version with a 61 kWh battery uses a 135 cv motor and achieves a range of up to 497 km. The Ioniq 3 is built in Turkey on a 400-volt platform and measures 4.155 metres in length, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. These figures describe a compact car, yet one designed to offer space and practicality. The boot offers 441 litres of space, which increases to 1,213 litres when the rear seats are folded down, whilst the dual-level loading floor allows for better organisation of the space and also provides a place to store charging cables. The interior also features numerous storage compartments and high-quality materials, alongside the new Pleos multimedia system based on Android Automotive OS. The specification includes a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a central screen available in 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch sizes.
Behind the wheel, it impresses with its comfort and responsiveness
During the test drive, we opted for the 147 cv version, which combines the smaller battery with the higher power output. The first impression is of a car that is easy to drive, with instant power delivery and a responsive throttle. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and, particularly when pulling away, the electric motor’s thrust is distinctly noticeable. However, the Ioniq 3 prioritises comfort over a particularly sporty driving experience: the suspension absorbs road imperfections well and the car maintains composed handling even at higher speeds. The light steering makes manoeuvring and city driving easier, whilst its compact dimensions help in tight spaces. Less convincing, however, is the rear visibility, which is compromised by the distinctive double rear window. The route taken through the Romagna hinterland was not long enough to verify real-world fuel consumption, whilst the figures quoted by Hyundai range between 13.7 and 16.0 kWh/100 km.
Technology, range and charging
In terms of efficiency, the Ioniq 3 also boasts a drag coefficient of 0.263 and three levels of regenerative braking that can be selected using the steering wheel paddles. The 42 kWh battery can be charged at up to 119 kW, whilst the 61 kWh battery supports up to 110 kW. Under optimal conditions, charging from 10% to 80% takes around 29 minutes with the Standard battery and around 30 minutes with the Long Range battery. The 11 kW on-board AC charger is fitted as standard, whilst the 22 kW three-phase charger is standard on the N Line Launch Edition or available as an option on the Trend, Prime and N Line models. Rounding off the energy management system is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows the battery’s energy to be used to power external electrical devices in conjunction with the 22 kW OBC. The 61 kWh configuration is the choice for those who prioritise range, with a claimed range of up to 497 km, whilst the 147 cv of the version tested delivers more spirited acceleration. Overall, the new Ioniq 3 strikes a balance between price, range, technology and practicality – factors set to play an increasingly important role in the electric B-SUV market.
