Hyundai is out with a new concept car that previews a smaller EV that could slot below the Ioniq 5. And while the design is pretty bold, and full of what seems to be veiled references to Star Wars, the idea of a smaller (and hopefully less expensive) electric hatchback is surely one of the more grounded ways to approach a design exercise of this kind.
The Concept Three certainly hints at a possible Ioniq 3 somewhere down the line. And spec sheet certainly supports that inference, with dimensions — 168.8-inch length, 76.4-inch width, and 56.2-inch — that puts it squarely in that Kia Soul/Volkswagen Golf territory. Those numbers could change as this vehicle gets closer to production, but it seems like a sure bet that Hyundai is interested in a compact hatchback to help round out its Ioniq lineup, which right now includes the Ioniq 5 crossover, Ioniq 6 sedan, and Ioniq 9 full-size SUV.
But that’s not why you’re reading this article. You saw the pictures of the Concept Three and you clicked because you want to know WTF is going on with this weird yellow-tinted glass space craft looking vehicle. I don’t blame you. Hyundai is the rare automaker these days that’s still having a bit of fun with its concepts, and I applaud them for it.
The interior is wild, from the sugary yellow and purple accents to the bizarre design choices (seatbelt through the headrest?) to the Easter egg references to a certain iconic science-fiction film scattered throughout. We’ll start there, with sideview cameras that looks like a cross between the Death Star and BB-8. The cockpit and center console seems inspired by a speeder bike. And there’s even an inscription on the rear bumper that reads “May the downforce be with you.”
Of course, all of this is subtext. Hyundai isn’t making any direct reference to Star Wars in its press materials about the Concept Three (likely so it wouldn’t have to pay Disney for the rights). And we only noticed them ourselves after watching YouTube channel Electrifying’s video tour of the EV. I guess you could call them Easter eggs, but even that feels more intentional than it is. Still, discovering all these fun design quirks makes the overall design a lot more rewarding.
But despite referencing one of America’s greatest cultural products to ever exist, the eventual production version of this concept may never make it to these shores. Hyundai says the Concept Three “signals the brand’s planned expansion into the European compact EV market.” And that makes total sense: Europe is a better market for EVs, and a better market for small hatchbacks. The rest of us will just have to gaze across that vast ocean and hope for the best.
