The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is the South Korean automaker’s newest addition to its global range of dedicated EVs. Developed primarily for European markets, it’s a small EV designed to compete with the likes of the VW ID. Polo and Renault 5.
We got an opportunity to check out the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N Line at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Here are our first impressions of the new small EV:
Design
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 N Line has a sporty, futuristic exterior designed around an “Aero Hatch” theme. From certain angles, it could easily be mistaken for a crossover.
The Ioniq 3’s front end is low and dynamic, and the N Line trim brings an added touch of sportiness. The N Line-specific bumper features a prominent A-shaped structure finished in gloss black, along with a conventionally designed trapezoidal grille and vertical side air inlets.
The signature pixel lighting is shared with the other trims and consists of three distinct elements. Ultra-slim DRL strips at the leading edge of the hood are complemented by four larger illuminated pixels in the center, which represent the letter “H” in Morse code.
Viewed from the side, the sloping roofline makes it clear that Hyundai isn’t chasing maximum practicality with this model, differentiating it from the mechanically related Kia EV2. The company is aiming for younger and more style-conscious customers.
In person, the car’s rear end stands out immediately. The N Line-specific ducktail spoiler is unusually large, looking more like something fitted to a performance car than an urban commuter. The faux diffuser, also exclusive to the N Line trim, gives the rear a more aggressive appearance.
The rear window is relatively short, limiting rearward visibility. Compact pixel-style taillights sit at the outer edges, while four large illuminated pixels in the center serve as the brake lights. Similar reverse lights are integrated between the taillights and the four central brake-light pixels.
Interior
The interior of the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N Line has a clean look with subtle sporty touches. Its padded, tubular dashboard is reminiscent of retro lounge furniture, and the air vents integrated into it seem inspired by vintage home audio systems.
Rounded elements have been used in the slim door panels and the bridge-type center console as well. The squircle steering wheel’s compact form factor goes well with the sporty theme of the N Line.
The top of the dashboard is a flattish surface and houses a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster without a binnacle. It is part of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG)’s new Pleos Connect cockpit, which also includes a 12.9- or 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Hyundai has placed a bank of physical controls below the central touchscreen, giving the driver quick access to commonly used functions with minimal distraction. The steering wheel also features physical buttons for frequently used functions.
The N Line trim features black upholstery with exclusive red accents and the N logo on the steering wheel for sportier styling. Hyundai equips the Ioniq 3 with features such as Relaxation (front) Seats, front-seat heating and ventilation, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
Experience in the Hyundai Ioniq 3
At 6 feet tall, I needed to watch my head while getting into the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N Line. The front doors open wide, though, and once past the relatively low roofline, ingress and egress are easy.
My thighs did not rub against the steering wheel, which can be an issue in some smaller cars. The sporty steering wheel immediately stands out. It is small, thick, grippy, and flattened at the top and bottom.
The front seats are comfortable, offering good back and shoulder support and well-judged side bolstering for an N Line model. Under-thigh support is only average but still acceptable. With the seat adjusted to my usual driving position, I had around 3.1 inches of headroom beneath the large glass roof.
The pedal box is well designed, with ample space on the dead pedal for my size 12 shoe. The center console is practical, featuring cupholders, a wireless phone charger, a lower storage area, a phone slot, and a USB port.
Material quality is acceptable but uneven. The lower passenger-side section of the dashboard is soft to the touch, while the driver-side and upper sections use harder plastics.
The rear is where the Ioniq 3 feels more style-led. The rear doors are smaller, so taller passengers again need to watch their heads. I also could not slide my shoes beneath the front seat.
With the driver’s seat adjusted for me, I had only around 1.6 inches of knee room, and my knees sat slightly high. Using the Boss Mode function on the front passenger seat increases knee room to more than 4 inches, although under-thigh support remains average.
The rising beltline and small rear side windows also make the cabin feel less open. Still, rear passengers get adjustable headrests, a fold-down center armrest, cupholders, heated seats, three air vents, and two USB ports.
Specifications
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 N Line measures 4,170 mm (164.2 in.) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 in.) in width, and 1,505 mm (59.3 in.) in height and has a 2,680 mm (105.5 in.) wheelbase. It offers 441 liters (15.6 cu. ft.) of cargo space behind the rear seat.
Hyundai will offer the Ioniq 3 in standard-range and long-range FWD variants. The base variant’s motor produces 133 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and relies on a 42.2 kWh LFP battery pack. The top variant’s motor increases the power to 145 hp and upgrades to a 61 kWh NMC battery pack.
The Ioniq 3 hits 0 to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds (standard-range)/9.6 seconds (long-range) and achieves a top speed of 106 mph. Hyundai expects a WLTP range of 214 miles (standard-range)/308 miles (long-range). It may offer the N Line trim only in the long-range variant.
Price and release date
In the UK, Hyundai expects to price the Ioniq 3 under GBP 25,000 (USD 33,486) and launch it later this year. The N Line trim’s price could go well over GBP 30,000 (USD 40,184), though.
Hyundai plans to start manufacturing the Ioniq 3 in Izmit, Turkey, starting in August 2026. The company will start sales in Turkey in September 2026. It is unlikely to offer this model in the U.S., where it has decided to skip the Kona Electric for MY2026, making the Ioniq 5 currently its most affordable EV in the line-up.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
