Hyundai has launched the IONIQ 3 in Spain, offering up to 496 km of WLTP range and a starting price just under thirty thousand euros. The compact electric car targets buyers who want an affordable EV that can handle more than city errands, while taking on established rivals and Hyundai Motor Group’s Kia EV2.
The IONIQ 3 starts at 29,995 euros before discounts. Hyundai’s current offer combines brand financing with the Plan Auto+ incentive and can bring the price down to 21,535 euros, although eligibility depends on financing terms and government support. The company expects to attract thousands of new customers by 2027. Europa Press reports that the car is built at Hyundai’s Izmit plant in Turkey, with European sales set for the third quarter of 2026. The base version, with a 42.2 kWh battery, has a WLTP range of 344 km; the headline 496 km figure applies to the Long Range variant with a 61 kWh battery.
At just over 4.15 meters long, the IONIQ 3 targets drivers who want a compact hatchback instead of a bulky SUV. Its five-door Aero Hatch body is designed to balance aerodynamics and space. The boot holds 322 liters, or up to 441 liters with the extra compartment. The N Line version is slightly longer, at 4.17 meters, and adds a sportier look. Electrive gives the wheelbase as 2,680 mm. A Megabox under the floor adds 119 liters of storage.
Hyundai’s battery options prioritize efficiency over outright power. The smaller 42.2 kWh LFP battery delivers 147 CV, while the larger 61 kWh NMC pack produces 135 CV and extends the range to 496 km (WLTP). Both versions have front-wheel lead and 250 Nm of torque. The standard-battery model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 9 seconds; the Long Range takes 9.6 seconds. DC charging at up to 110 kW takes about 29 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. AC charging at 11 kW is standard, with up to 22 kW available as an option, depending on the version. An optional V2L feature lets the car’s battery power external devices.
Competition is fierce, including within Hyundai Motor Group. The Kia EV2 is shorter, at 4.06 meters, but has a slightly larger boot, with up to 362 liters of capacity. Its starting price of 20,330 euros undercuts the IONIQ 3. The EV2 comes with two battery options: a 42.2 kWh pack offering up to 317 km of range and a 61 kWh version that reaches 453 km. Both can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in about half an hour. The EV2’s lower price and SUV styling may appeal to different buyers, though it falls short of the IONIQ 3’s top range.
The IONIQ 3 stands out for its longer range and traditional hatchback shape, making it a better fit for drivers who need to travel beyond city limits. The Kia EV2 targets urban buyers looking for a lower price and compact footprint. Both come from Hyundai Motor Group, but take different approaches to the electric-car market. Electrive puts the IONIQ 3’s range advantage at 344 km versus 317 km in standard trims, and 496 km versus 448 km in Long Range versions.
Hyundai is pitching the IONIQ 3 as more than a stripped-down entry model. It introduces the PLEOS Connect multimedia system, which runs Android Automotive. Higher trims get a central screen of up to 14.6 inches, a 360-degree camera, advanced parking aids and a full suite of driver-assistance systems. Hyundai is aiming for a premium feel at a mainstream price.
Price remains the IONIQ 3’s basic selling point. With a base price below thirty thousand euros and lower prices available through financing, Hyundai is targeting Spanish buyers who have held back from going electric. The company expects most customers to choose the 61 kWh battery, reflecting demand for more range alongside a low sticker price.
The IONIQ 3’s range and practicality at its price put pressure on rivals such as the Renault 5, Volkswagen ID. Polo, CUPRA Raval and Peugeot e-208, while intensifying competition with the Kia EV2. Both brands are pursuing value-conscious buyers, but with different approaches.
Other carmakers are moving too. Ford recently cut the price of its Puma hybrid, as reported earlier. Competition for Spanish drivers is heating up, with Hyundai positioning the IONIQ 3 as an EV that pairs range with an accessible price.
