Hyundai Ioniq 3 hatch revealed to battle MG 4

HYUNDAI Motor Company (HMC) will expand its battery electric vehicle portfolio with the Ioniq 3 hatchback, a model positioned to broaden the Korean brand’s reach into more affordable BEV segments while complementing, rather than replacing, established small car offerings.

Pencilled for launch in Australia early next year, the European-developed, Turkish-built Ioniq 3 will sit between the city-sized Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s local BEV line-up.

The new model will the most accessible yet from the Ioniq dedicated BEV line, and it has been conceived as part of a strategy to bolster BEV uptake in the compact segment where growth is accelerating in more mature markets.

Demand for smaller and more affordable BEVs has surged in Australia, fuelled by cost-effective novated leasing structures resulting from a full Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) waiver, and in more recent times, a desire by some buyers to opt-out of vulnerable petrol price cycles.

In Europe, the Ioniq 3 will compete with the Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID Polo in a market protected by tariffs on Chinese cars, but locally, the new Hyundai will be up against aggressively priced BEVs like the MG4 and BYD Atto 2.

Succeeding against a tide of Chinese competition will require careful positioning of the Ioniq 3 by Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA), which is understood to be considering importing a range of trim grades.

The Ioniq 3 measures 4155mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1505mm in height on a 2650mm wheelbase. Size-wise, it is smaller than the familiar Kona or i30 hatch but claims as much interior room as those cars, including a 441L boot.

Good packaging has resulted from the use of the BEV-specific Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which has a flat floor.

All Ioniq 3 models at launch will be single-motor front-wheel drive with either 107kW of power (with a 42kWh lithium iron phosphate battery promising 335km range), or 99kW (with a 61kWh nickel manganese cobalt pack for 490km range).

Kerb weight has been kept in check at between 1550-1580kg depending on battery size.

Hyundai has elected to use the 400-volt iteration of E-GMP, which is simpler and more affordable than the flagship 800V system used by the Ioniq 5, 6, and 9 models.

DC fast charging from 10-80 per cent is accomplished in 29-30 minutes, while an 11kW onboard AC charger can optionally be substituted for a 22kW unit.

Speaking with GoAuto, Hyundai Motor Europe vice president of product Raf van Nuffel said buyers in the Ioniq 3’s ‘B-plus’ segment in Europe typically use AC chargers far more than DC infrastructure.

Chassis configuration comprises MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a cheaper torsion beam rear axle. Tuning has been led from Europe, with HMCA currently conducting additional local evaluation to ensure suitability.

Design-wise, the Ioniq 3 has echoes of the Hyundai Veloster coupe with its curving roofline and Kamm-tail rear dubbed internally as an ‘Aero Hatch’, while the cabin incorporates a new Pleos Connect infotainment system with a choice of 12.9- or 14.6-inch touchscreens.

Based upon Android Automotive, Pleos Connect has a more robust software stack with superior updating capabilities, while physical controls have been retained inside for media and climate controls.

The Ioniq 3 is expected to play a significant global role in Hyundai’s EV expansion plans.

“The EV market is growing, but we see the growth is really coming in the small sectors,” said Mr van Nuffel.

“With Inster, we see that we can be part of that growth, and that it is important to be there. With Ioniq 3, we hope the same trend will be there to catch a part of the growth.”