{
  "id": 16465100,
  "title": "First drive — the Hyundai Ioniq 3 sets a new benchmark for affordable EVs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/first-drive-the-hyundai-ioniq-3-sets-a-new-benchmark-for-affordable",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-25T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/a-formidable-proposition-ive-driven-the-hyundai-ioniq-3-and-it-sets-a-new-benchmark-for-affordable-evs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Hyundai Ioniq 3 has shattered expectations as the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) with exceptional value and performance. Once viewed as the Chinese newcomers undercutting legacy automakers, Hyundai is now synonymous with quality, innovation, and cutting-edge design. With plans to launch or update 100 models by 2030, Hyundai continues to dominate the EV market.\n\nThe Ioniq 3 is a compact hatchback designed to meet everyday European needs, offering highly competitive all-electric range, impressive performance, and distinctive looks. Priced at £18,495 in the UK after the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, it competes with some of the most affordable EVs on the market today. Despite Hyundai's cheaper alternatives like the Dacia Spring, Honda Super-N, or Leapmotor T03, the Ioniq 3 offers more tech and space.\n\nIncorporating Hyundai's all-new Pleos infotainment system, the Ioniq 3 boasts a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central touchscreen with Android Automotive Operating System. The graphical layout mirrors Tesla's, featuring intuitive swipes to adjust settings and access features like trunk opening, navigation, and speed read-outs. Critics have noted that the Pleos layout feels 'bolted on' to the dashboard, but it performs seamlessly with advanced connected navigation, over-the-air software updates, and access to the Pleos App Market.\n\nHyundai's Gleo AI, integrated into Pleos Connect, serves as a voice assistant that responds to natural-language commands for various vehicle functions, information access, and connected services. Hyundai Digital Key 2 allows compatible smartphones and wearable devices to lock, unlock, and start the car without a physical key, providing remote access to vehicle information.\n\nWith a minimalist 'Furnished Space' interior, the Ioniq 3 accommodates three adults in the rear and offers 441 liters of storage space, split between a 322-liter trunk and a 119-liter \"Megabox\" beneath the trunk floor. The vehicle's 'Art of Steel' design and 'Aero Hatch' silhouette have caused debate over its aesthetics, but it demands attention and features a low front end with a roofline for optimum headroom. With a drag coefficient of approximately 0.263, the Ioniq 3 targets improved EV efficiency.",
  "summary": "Hyundai’s new budget EV is giving Chinese rivals something to think about.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hyundai Ioniq 3 priced at £18,495 after UK grant",
    "Ioniq 3 features Pleos infotainment system with Android Automotive",
    "Gleo AI voice assistant enables natural-language commands"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}