I’ve driven the new Hyundai Ioniq 3, and it’s the best small electric hatchback you can – and should – buy

I’ve driven the new Hyundai Ioniq 3, and it’s the best small electric hatchback you can – and should – buy

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’re in a golden age of the small electric car, and I reckon the Hyundai Ioniq 3 might be the best of the bunch. Let me explain.

Any brand can sign a blank cheque to engineer a three-tonne, leather-lined, six-figure luxury car and end up with an exquisite product. It takes skill to do the same in a tiny car that’s built down to a price, yet the last few examples I’ve reviewed have been top-tier.

Take the Cupra Raval for example, which is spacious and sporty. The Volkswagen ID Polo is as sensible as they come, but it’s so easy and relaxing to drive. The stylish, charming and surprisingly practical Renault Twingo is still the only car I’ve given a full 10/10 score, but the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq 3 means that might drop down to a nine…

For starters, the Ioniq 3 is a properly weird looking piece of kit, but that’s a great thing. Hyundai’s designers wax lyrical about how it’s styled to look like a folded-up sheet of steel, but you know what? I get it. Pretty it ain’t, somewhat resembling an Ioniq 6 that’s been involved in a motorway pile-up, but it’s fascinating to behold.

I love the sharp angles, the funky little lights and the N Line Evo version’s violently red paint job. We’ve made it out of the grey-blob era, and I’m here for it. Make cars weird again!

The cabin isn’t quite as funky, but it’s not boring, either. The two-level dashboard has a ruler-straight upper section, while the lower part curves away from you to create a little open ‘shelf.’ The ribbed details make it look like a pool inflatable, too. The Ioniq 3 is the first Hyundai to get the all-new infotainment software, and it’s much faster than the older system.

It’s been designed to mimic a tablet, which on paper is a good idea. We’re used to smart devices these days…but when do you ever have to navigate your iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab at 60mph on a twisty road? Never – I hope – and the Hyundai’s small icons are tricky to use on the go.

Also in a cheeky move, only the posher trim levels get a driver display for your speed, with entry-level cars only displaying info on the central screen. That’s something I’ve never gelled with, and it’s no better in the Ioniq 3 than any other car with the same setup.

Aside from that, the Ioniq 3’s interior is great. There’s plenty of space with loads of seat adjustability, and small details that make the Hyundai a really well-thought-out piece of kit. The indicator and wiper stalks feel very expensive, as do the steering wheel buttons, climate control switches and even the air vent toggles.

My personal favorite is the twist-out cup holder trim, which means you can store large bottles using the lower centre console cubby as a base. As a Yeti water bottle enthusiast, that’s a brilliant touch.

Save for my darling Renault Twingo, there aren’t many cars at this price with reclining rear seats, which the Ioniq 3 has up its sleeve. Set more upright there’s space for six footers in the back, while the 441-litre boot has an easily adjustable boot floor with masses of storage underneath. Like I said, this is a small car which has had a lot of thought put into it.

In entry-level Advance trim (£18,495 you can have the Ioniq 3 with a 42kWh battery and up to 213 miles of range. That’s nothing special, about the same as you’ll manage out of a Volkswagen ID Polo.

Spend a bit more and the 61kWh battery offers 308 miles of range, which is seriously impressive when you consider a Cupra Born and Kia EV3 cost £10,000 more and offer less range than that. The Ioniq 3 isn’t writing cheques it can’t cash, either, as I managed to achieve 89% of its claimed range on some pretty fast, hilly routes. That’s good going, and a great sign for efficiency in town.

The Ioniq 3 is pretty nice to drive as well. It’s comfy enough around town, even if it thuds over particularly nasty potholes. It’s pretty quiet at higher speeds, too, while being stable and grippy on a country lane. Heck, I’d even go so far as to say it’s almost fun.

One thing to point out is the atrocious rear visibility on account of the huge pillars and outrageously narrow two-piece rear window. I mean, comically bad, but at least there’s a standard-fit reversing camera.

So, back to my bold opening statement. The Ioniq 3 is a fantastic piece of kit, and it’s part of a steady stream of brilliant small EVs hitting the market. If I never had to drive long distances I’d still have a Twingo over this any day of the week, but as a small, solid all-rounder that can go the distance…I’m sorry Renault, the Hyundai gets my vote.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.