Funky Concept Three looks to Hyundai Ioniq 3 hatch

So the forward-thinking concept car teased before the Munich IAA show was this, Hyundai’s Concept Three. It previews the upcoming Ioniq 3 hatch due out midway through next year. Rivals include ID.3, Cupra Born and Kia EV3.

At 4288mm long, the concept is larger than an ID.3 and roughly the size of a VW Golf. 

Read our review of the Hyundai Tucson hybrid here.

Eduardo Ramirez, Hyundai Design Europe chief designer, explained the ideas behind the concept. “We wanted Concept Three to have a very sporting stance with a clear silhouette defined by aero hatch profile and typical EV-specific proportions with the low front.” 

The pixel lighting theme connects all of Hyundai’s EVs. Large pixel squares on the front resemble a grille at first glance. At the rear, the lighting is an evolution of the pixel-based displays on existing production cars, Here the light bar has a 3D effect. 

The front end features active air flaps to cool the battery, and a narrow band of LED lights. What look like central exhaust pipes at the rear are speakers designed to “deliver an emotive experience through sound”.

While some liberties were taken with the concept car, like the gullwing doors, the real thing will evidently be close in design and size. Hyundai calls it an aero hatch. And the design language is known as the Art of Steel.

While the concept’s cabin is meant to resemble a living room, the Ioniq 3 interior will be more traditional. Added buttons are there to limit distraction. So too the driver’s display, viewed above the wheel.

No indication of powertrain was given for the Concept Three, but the Ioniq 3 will probably use a 58kWh battery as a starting point, its motor generating 150kW of power and the pack offering range of 440km. Underlying mechanicals will be similar to those of EV3.

The five-door hatchback will be manufactured in Europe and is likely to become the brand’s best-selling electric car there.