Hyundai waited for all the other brands to unveil their new cars at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich before pulling the wraps off the Concept Three, ensuring rivals wouldn’t steal its thunder. What is it? A glimpse into the future of a smaller Ioniq model, with a design that channels futuristic Veloster vibes. Even without the defunct hatchback’s quirky asymmetrical doors, the profile is instantly recognizable. And thankfully, it’s not another crossover. We’ve already got plenty of those.
The Concept Three is refreshingly compact. Hyundai says the show car measures 168.8 inches (4,288 millimeters) long, 77.4 inches (1,968 millimeters) wide, and 57.6 inches (1,465 millimeters) tall. Despite its modest footprint, it boasts a generous 107.1-inch (2,722-millimeter) wheelbase, comparable to combustion cars from the next segment up. That’s the advantage of a dedicated EV platform, which allows for better packaging and a stretched wheelbase to maximize interior space.
Photo by: Hyundai
The low-slung hatchback, painted in Tungsten Grey, fits perfectly into the Ioniq family, given the multitude of pixels at the front and rear, many of which are illuminated. With its aggressive nose, oversized diffuser, center-lock wheels, and functional side vents, the Concept Three gives off serious performance-car energy.
Inside, the Moonbeam Yellow cabin looks ripped straight from a video game. Its playful, cheerful design makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a gaming console. Spotting “Mr. Pix” scattered throughout the car adds to the sense of curiosity and fun Hyundai wants the Concept Three to embody.
Practicality, however, takes a hit. The sloping roofline eats into the greenhouse, compromising outward visibility. At first glance, the tailgate appears to lack a rear window, but the so-called “aero hatch” does contain a small glass section. How much of this bold design makes it to production remains to be seen, though the suicide doors are almost certainly destined for the cutting room floor.
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Source: Hyundai
When it arrives, the Concept Three won’t actually be Hyundai’s smallest EV. That role belongs to the Casper Electric, sold in Europe as the Inster. Unlike the Concept Three, though, the tiny city car isn’t part of the Ioniq family, since it rides on the same platform as the gasoline-powered Casper rather than a bespoke EV architecture.
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