Hyundai will unveil the IONIQ 3 during Milan Design Week in less than a week. Ahead of its debut, the electric hot hatch was spotted racing down the streets of South Korea.

Hyundai prepares for IONIQ 3 EV debut on April 20, 2026

The IONIQ 3 is set to arrive as a little sibling to the IONIQ 5 and Hyundai’s first compact EV from the series. Hyundai previewed it for the first time with the Concept Three at the Munich Motor Show last September.

Although it’s part of the IONIQ family, the concept featured a new look, unlike anything we’ve seen from Hyundai so far, with a sleek “Aero Hatch” silhouette and a ducktail spoiler.

The design is “a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette,” according to Hyundai. It not only delivers an “eye-catching” profile but also maximizes interior space.

Hyundai’s EV hot hatch still includes a few signature design elements borrowed from its other EVs, like the IONIQ 5, such as Parametric Pixel lights, but with a unique, futuristic twist.

The Hyundai Concept THREE EV, a preview of the IONIQ 3 (Source: Hyundai)

Like the Nexo, Hyundai’s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the concept featured a four-dot lamp design that represents the brand’s “H” in Morse code, both up front and at the rear.

A recent video from @acgoon shows a camouflaged IONIQ 3 speeding off from a red light. Although no speed was mentioned, you can see the electric hot hatch accelerate seemingly effortlessly mid-drive.

In its latest teaser, Hyundai confirmed the IONIQ 3 will feature its signature Pixel lighting despite rumors suggesting otherwise. In a post on social media this week, Hyundai Europe said, “When pixel lights become a signature move,” previewing the IONIQ 3 up close.

Measuring 4,287 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall, the IONIQ 3 is about the same size as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia EV3.

It will likely be available with similar battery pack options as the Kia EV3 and EV4, 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 391 miles (630 km).

The Hyundai Concept THREE EV, a preview of the IONIQ 3 (Source: Hyundai)

The IONIQ 3 will sit between the IONIQ 5 and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup. We will learn prices soon, but given the EV hot hatch is expected to start at around £25,000 ($33,500).

While we’ve seen prototypes out testing leading up to its debut, a new video from HealerTV offers our closest look at the IONIQ 3 in production form.

It’s still covered, but you can see a few slight changes from the concept. For one, the “H” logo appears to be slightly lower, replacing the four-dot lamp up front. It’s speculated that Hyundai may omit them from the production model.

The front looks like a mix between the IONIQ 5 and Concept three with Pixel lights and a redesigned bumper. From the side, the IONIQ 3 has a sleek hot-hatch design that fits its compact size.

Hyundai will begin IONIQ 3 production at its Turkish manufacturing plant in mid-2026. The electric hatch will give Hyundai “one of the most complete EV lineups” in Europe, with seven models ranging from the entry-level Inster to the nine-seater Staria Electric van.

The IONIQ 3 will make its global debut during Milan Design Week on April 20. Check back for more details next week.

For those in the US, don’t get your hopes up. The IONIQ 3 is designed and produced specifically for European buyers. The Trump Administration’s tariffs make it too costly, plus hatchbacks are a tough sell given Americans’ love of larger trucks and SUVs.