Hyundai has entered Spain’s city EV market with the Ioniq 3, a compact electric car offering up to 497 kilometers of range at a price intended to undercut many rivals. It is aimed at European brands already established in the segment B electric hatchback market.
The Ioniq 3 measures 4.15 meters long and is built at Hyundai’s İzmit factory in Turkey for European streets. Production has begun there, making it the first Ioniq-branded electric vehicle specifically developed and manufactured in Europe. Buyers can choose between a 42.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack from CATL for the entry model and a 61 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery from Samsung. The smaller battery is rated for 344 km WLTP, while the larger is listed at up to 497 km. Hyundai’s official specifications and independent reports give WLTP figures of 344 km for Standard Range and up to 496 km for Long Range; the small discrepancy reflects rounding or early data.
The Standard Range charges from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes. Under suitable conditions, the Long Range takes one minute longer. Both versions use a front-mounted electric motor: the Standard Range produces 107.8 kW (147 CV), while the Long Range produces 99.5 kW (135 CV). Hyundai UK reports a range of 214 miles (about 344 km) for the base model and 308 miles (about 496 km) for the 61 kWh version, in line with WLTP figures.
The Ioniq 3 introduces Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design, with a low nose and a roofline shaped to create interior space before ending in a rear spoiler. Pixel daytime running lights and the Aero Hatch design are intended to balance airflow with a roomy cabin.
Depending on trim, buyers can choose a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central touchscreen. All but the base model have a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The boot holds 441 liters, split between the basic space and a lower compartment. The Ioniq 3 is the first Hyundai in Europe equipped with the Pleos Connect infotainment system, built on Android Automotive OS. Hyundai says the system offers smartphone pairing and regular software updates. It is also appearing for the first time in a European-developed model. Screen sizes vary by trim.
In Spain, the Trend with a 42.2 kWh battery is priced at €33,895. The 61 kWh Select starts at €33,995, while the Trend version costs €37,895. The N Line costs €39,995, and the N Line Evo is priced at €44,795. In the UK, the base Advance with a 42 kWh battery is offered at £22,245 before incentives and £18,495 after the Electric Car Grant. Deliveries are expected in autumn 2026.
The Ioniq 3 includes 15 driver-assistance and parking systems. Hyundai has set the Spanish starting price at €29,995 before discounts. With Plan Auto+ and a €3,000 IRPF deduction, the entry price can fall to €21,535. Europa Press notes that the final price depends on the details of each government program and eligibility.
Hyundai expects to sell 3,500 to 4,000 Ioniq 3s in Spain in the first full year. Company president Polo Satrústegui says the final figure will depend on the level of government support available.
Competition in Spain’s city EV market is intensifying. Volkswagen Group has launched the Cupra Raval. Its Spanish-built line-up also includes the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq, with the Volkswagen ID. Cross among the other models. All are built in Spain. Renault and Stellantis are pushing the Renault 5 and Peugeot e-208. As reported earlier, new arrivals such as the CUPRA Raval Endurance have already shifted price and performance expectations in the class.
Hyundai designed the Ioniq 3 in Europe and builds it in Turkey. The Pleos Connect system and Art of Steel design are intended to distinguish the model through its technology and styling, while it also competes on price. electrive reports that the Ioniq 3 has a longer claimed range than its platform sibling, the Kia EV2: 344 km versus 317 km for standard models, and 496 km versus 448 km for long-range versions. The car’s prospects will depend on how Hyundai uses incentives and responds to changing urban mobility needs.
