Hyundai Ioniq 3 starts at £18,495 in UK, TechRadar first drive calls it affordable EV benchmark
Hyundai Ioniq 3 starts at £18,495 in the UK after grants, TechRadar says, pairing low pricing with Pleos infotainment.
TechRadar said Hyundai is pursuing plans to launch or update 100 models by 2030 and that the Ioniq 3 leads that campaign. The car is designed for everyday European use, with what Hyundai describes as competitive all-electric range, punchy performance and a body intended to fit busy city streets and tight parking spaces.
Inside, the Ioniq 3 is the first Hyundai to use the company’s new Pleos infotainment system. Depending on trim, it has a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central touchscreen based on Android Automotive OS. The layout is close to Tesla’s, with a car graphic on the left, navigation on the right and a speed readout near the driver, and TechRadar said it responds quickly and adds connected navigation with EV route planning, over-the-air updates and access to the Pleos App Market. The review also said Pleos looks less integrated into the dashboard than other Hyundai setups.
Hyundai offers a second digital driver display behind the steering wheel as an optional extra, a decision TechRadar noted had drawn criticism online even though Tesla has long relied on a central screen alone. The infotainment system includes Gleo AI, an AI-powered voice assistant integrated into Pleos Connect that can control selected vehicle functions and interact with services such as Spotify, according to the review. Hyundai Digital Key 2 is also available for compatible smartphones and wearables to lock, unlock and start the car without a physical key, with an app for remote vehicle information and selected functions.
Hyundai combines its “Art of Steel” design language with an “Aero Hatch” silhouette. The shape pairs a low front end with a roofline intended to maximize front and rear headroom before tapering to a rear spoiler. Hyundai targeted a drag coefficient of about 0.263 to improve efficiency, TechRadar reported. The review said the design is likely to prompt debate but makes the car stand out.
Editor's Summary
TechRadar’s first drive says the Hyundai Ioniq 3 brings affordable pricing, a Tesla-like Pleos infotainment system and distinctive design to the compact EV segment. Its UK starting price of £18,495 after grants puts it against cheaper rivals while Hyundai positions it as part of a broader push to launch or update 100 models by 2030.