Hyundai’s latest concept car previews a production model that’ll fill a key gap in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup.
The Hyundai Concept Three, revealed at the Munich motor show, “signals the brand’s planned expansion into the European compact EV market”.
A showroom-ready version is expected to enter production in Türkiye in 2026.
An aggressively styled small hatchback, the Concept Three measures 4287mm long, 1940mm wide and 1428mm tall on a 2722mm wheelbase.
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That makes it identical in length to the MG 4 and gives it a 17mm longer wheelbase, though Hyundai refers to the concept as “reflecting [its] ambitions in Europe’s B-segment”. This term typically refers to the segment occupied by models like the Toyota Yaris and MG 3.
The Concept Three wears the Korean brand’s new Art of Steel design language, which debuted on last year’s Initium concept that previewed the second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) unveiled this year.
The electric hatch has an almost coupe-like appearance with its rakish roof line, and prominent, sharply creased haunches plus concealed door handles. It’s more like a Veloster than an i30 Hatch, then.
It’s still recognisably an Ioniq vehicle, however. The sub-brand’s signature Parametric Pixel square lighting elements can be found front and rear, though Hyundai says they’re “more expressive” and form a gradient that adds depth.
The show car is finished in Tungsten Grey with lemon-tinted windows and wheels, and a Moonbeam Yellow interior.
While the exterior looks more or less production-ready, the interior is more obviously a fanciful concept car.
There’s a high-mounted centre console with what looks like a large grab handle on top and a storage shelf below.
There is no traditional infotainment touchscreen or instrument cluster. Instead, there are what Hyundai calls modular Bring Your Own Lifestyle widgets, though it doesn’t really explain what they are or how they work, other than the fact they can “personalise” your journey.
Despite the minimalist, concept car aesthetic, we spy actual buttons on the dashboard. Expect the production car to have a similar dashboard shape, but with a more conventional steering wheel, seats and screens.
Whether Mr Pix makes a return in the production car remains to be seen. He’s a little cartoon character you’ll spy in the concept’s cabin, designed to “evoke curiosity, joy and emotional connection”.
The soft yellow upholstery matches the yellow-tinted greenhouse, and Hyundai says the cabin uses recycled wool, plastics and lightweight aluminium foam.
Hyundai says it plans to offer an “electrified version of every model in Europe by 2027”, and will release 21 global EVs by 2030.
The production hatchback will give Hyundai an electric passenger car to slot in under the Ioniq 6, and join electric SUVs such as the Inster and Kona Electric.
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