Hyundai IONIQ 3, finalist for the European Car of the Year 2027 award

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• IONIQ 3 has been selected as one of the seven finalists for the prestigious European automotive award
• Designed and developed in Europe and produced in Türkiye, IONIQ 3 has been developed around the needs of European customers.
• The successful market launch marks an encouraging start for Hyundai Motor’s latest addition to its European electric vehicle range.

SEOUL/OFFENBACH — Hyundai Motor’s all-electric IONIQ 3 has been named one of seven finalists for the 2027 European Car of the Year award. Selected by an independent jury of automotive journalists from across Europe, the nomination places the IONIQ 3 among the contenders for one of Europe’s most established automotive awards. The winner will be announced on January 8, 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show.

Designed in Europe and produced at Hyundai Motor Türkiye plant in İzmit, IONIQ 3 has been developed specifically for European customers. The all-electric compact hatchback combines Hyundai’s distinctive “Art of Steel” design language, a spacious interior and intuitive technology with a driving range of up to 497 km (WLTP) in the Long Range version. With a starting price of less than 30,000 euros in European markets, IONIQ 3 aims to make electric mobility accessible to a wider range of customers.

“Being named as a finalist for the European Car of the Year award is an important recognition for the IONIQ 3 and the work put into its development. We set out to create an electric car designed around the needs of European customers, combining distinctive design with class-leading aerodynamics, long range and exceptional interior space, along with advanced technology at an affordable price. Customer response has been very encouraging, with orders already exceeding our initial expectations. This nomination reflects the strength of that package. general and our ambition to make electric mobility both desirable and practical for more people.” —Christopher McKinnon, Vice President, Chief Product Officer and Product Manager, European Office, Hyundai Motor Europe.

Hyundai IONIQ 3 Key Highlights:

• Designed and developed in Europe specifically for European customers.
• Distinctive Aero Hatch design with a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.263
• Best range in its class, up to 497 km WLTP from the Long Range version
• Class-leading interior space with five full-size seats and 441 liters of boot capacity
• The largest central touchscreen in the segment, at 14.6 inches, with Pleos Connect, Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment platform based on the Android Automotive operating system.
• Starting price less than €30,000 in all European markets

What makes the IONIQ 3 a candidate for European Car of the Year 2027?

IONIQ 3 combines several class-leading features that address the key requirements of European customers. Its aerodynamic design contributes to driving efficiency, while its spacious interior offers the practicality of a larger vehicle despite its compact exterior dimensions. Intuitive technology supports everyday usability and affordable pricing makes electric mobility available to a wider range of customers.

What is the European Car of the Year Award?

The European Car of the Year award is an independent automotive competition created in 1964. Its international jury is made up of 65 automotive journalists from across Europe, who evaluate eligible new vehicles based on criteria including design, innovation, performance, value for money and market positioning.

Seven finalists are selected from the initial list of candidates. Following further evaluation and voting, the overall winner of the 2027 award will be announced on January 8, 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show.