Prerequisites for the appearance of a new hatchback
The CEO of Hyundai Europe hinted at the appearance of a hot hatchback under the N brand with an electric powertrain. If the project is approved, the car will likely resemble the Hyundai Concept Three presented in Munich. The debut of the standard Hyundai Ioniq 3 is expected in 2026, while the N version will appear on the market a few years later.
Relevance of an electric hatchback
Interest in Hyundai’s performance electric vehicles is growing. Although the electric Ioniq 5 N impressed critics, its high price does not allow it to become a natural successor to the popular i30 N hatchback, which disappeared from the European market due to stricter emission standards. This gap in the lineup could be filled by the smaller Ioniq 3, although Hyundai also considered naming it Ioniq 2 or even Ioniq 4.
Concept and its features
The sporty hatchback was pre-showed in Munich in the form of the Hyundai Concept Three — a show car with an original design reminiscent of a modern interpretation of the Veloster for the electric era. Hyundai, however, denies a direct resemblance and describes the concept simply as a compact hatchback.
Possibility of creating an Ioniq 3 N
The idea of creating a performance version of the Ioniq 3 is already being discussed within the company. Xavier Martine, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, indicated that this idea is being seriously considered:
The concept is quite sporty, and obviously, we have the heritage of the N brand. I think this is a question worth discussing.
At the same time, the hot hatchback project has not yet received official approval. Martine noted the uncertainty regarding demand:
The question is always, is there demand from customers? Does the market exist? How to make your car one that customers will want to buy? Creating emotions is fundamental.
Photo: Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink
Simon Loasby, Head of Hyundai Design, explained why the concept car does not have an N badge:
It’s a possibility. We are not calling it N, it is not yet approved. But I think everyone in the company is aware of what Europe needs, and that is compact hot hatchbacks, so it is a topic for discussion.
Expected appearance of the production model
The new Ioniq 3 (or under another name) is expected in mid-2026 and will become the electric equivalent of the outdated i30. Recent spy shots suggest that the production electric car will have a streamlined hatchback silhouette with a sloping roofline. Unlike the Concept Three with an asymmetrical door arrangement like the Veloster, the Ioniq 3 will have a more traditional five-door body.
Design and potential specifications
The concept impresses with wide fenders, a splitter, a transparent ducktail spoiler, and a diffuser with speakers styled to resemble dual exhaust pipes, which, of course, are not there. A somewhat softened version of this aggressive look could suit a potential Ioniq 3 N, especially if it is equipped with a dual-motor setup and a chassis tuned for handling.
Photo: Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink
Possible release dates
If the project is approved, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N could appear around 2027, joining the existing Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. The company has also confirmed that it is working on a new generation of the i20 N hatchback with a hybrid powertrain and a new Elantra N sedan with a gasoline engine.
Market competition
Of course, Hyundai will not be alone in the electric hot hatchback market. The future VW ID. Polo GTI will compete with the Peugeot 208 GTi, Alpine A290, and Mini JCW Electric in the small car segment. An updated version of the larger VW ID.3 GTX, which is likely to be called GTI, seems to be a more appropriate competitor for the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.
Photo: Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink
The electrification of performance cars is becoming an increasingly noticeable trend, and Hyundai seems ready to offer European buyers a compact but emotional option. It is important to note that the success of such models will depend not only on technical specifications but also on the ability to evoke emotions, as their gasoline predecessors did. Competition in this segment promises to be fierce, which could lead to interesting technical solutions and more affordable prices.