Hyundai Concept Three hints at future hot hatch

Newest member of the Ioniq family shows off 'Art of Steel' design language, previews future Euro-focused EV

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 9 September 2025 / Loading comments

While there’s a lot to like about the Hyundai Ioniq range of EVs, there’s no escaping the fact that they’re all pretty chunky monkeys. Something like a 5 does a good job of disguising its true size with the way it looks; the 6 achieves something similar. The Ioniq 9 is just big and looks big, because seven-seat SUVs always do. What the Ioniq family could surely really benefit from is a more compact, affordable take on the funky design and strong EV credentials of the rest of the range - this Concept Three suggests what that could look like.

It’s something completely different for the Ioniq range, smaller and sportier than we’ve become used to from standard models; at 4,287mm long, 1,940mm wide and 1,428mm high, it’s actually close to the old VW Scirocco in terms of length and height, if clearly a fair bit wider. There’s a bit of Hyundai Veloster to the ‘Aero Hatch’ look, as well as plenty of cues that associate it with the rest of the Ioniq family. The Parametric Pixel lights at the rear bring the 5 to mind, and there’s more than a bit of Ioniq 6 N to the front end.

Which is good; it surely means there’s an idea to make a car like this real, rather than just something for eyeballs at a motor show. Art of Steel, for what it’s worth, ‘transforms the strength and flexibility of steel into a language of sculptural beauty’. Which sort of sounds like how almost every car body has always been approached. At least it looks quite smart. Which is probably more than can be said for the wheels and the window tints; still, we’ve probably all seen worse examples at the local car meet.

They’re a good preview for what’s coming inside the Three, too - it’s a lot more yellow, with a host of recycled materials. ‘The cabin design creates environments that feel warm, intuitive, and calming. By embracing soft volumes and user-focused layouts, it fosters a sense of serenity and clarity’, suggests Hyundai. Just to make sure there isn’t too much serenity or clarity inside, the car features a character inside; Mr Pix, as he’s known, ‘evokes curiosity, joy, and emotional connection’. They don’t say it has to be a positive emotional connection. Just don’t be surprised if Mr Pix influences future in-car virtual assistants. Ever so slightly more encouraging are ‘Bring Your Own Lifestyle’ widgets to enable greater in-journey personalisation.

Hyundai views the Concept Three as an Europe-focused EV, given our uniquely challenging landscape of stringent legislation, densely populated urban areas, and general preference for smaller cars. ‘The region’s demand for compact, sustainable vehicles positions Europe at the centre of the company’s global electrification goals’, says the maker, so expect more stuff like the Three soon. Particularly with 80 per cent of Hyundai EVs sold in Europe made in Europe; by 2027, the maker wants an electrified version of every model sold in the market, as well as 21 new global EVs by the end of the decade. As well as continuing to invest in hydrogen. An egg in every basket at Hyundai right now.

“Returning to IAA Mobility after four years away is a true milestone, and such an occasion deserves a milestone car,” said Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe. “Concept Three represents the next step in Hyundai Motor’s electrification journey. With its compact dimensions and Art of Steel design language, it embodies our vision of delivering mobility that is practical, accessible, and emotionally resonant."