Tiny Hyundai Ioniq, Big EV Potential: The Fun We Need
“Though the Veloster N is gone, its electric successor offers a promising alternative.”
We called it—when Hyundai unveiled the Concept Three at last week’s IAA Mobility, we suggested it was a hot hatch in waiting. That prediction may soon come true, as Hyundai hasn’t dismissed the possibility of an N version of the production model. While nothing has been officially approved, the company is actively considering it, leaving a strong chance that a hot hatch under the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N banner could arrive in the future.
In an interview with Auto Express about a potential N version of the Concept Three, Hyundai’s European chief Xavier Martinet commented, ‘The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with the N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.’ That said, don’t start calling it the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N just yet—Hyundai often changes names when moving from concept to production, as seen when the Seven Concept became the Ioniq 9.
An Increasing Demand for Hot Hatches
Hyundai Design Europe’s chief designer, Eduardo Ramirez, echoed the idea of a sportier Concept Three, citing growing demand for hot hatchbacks—especially in Europe.
It’s an opportunity,’ Ramirez told Auto Express. ‘We’re not calling it N yet, and it hasn’t been approved, but I think everyone in the company recognizes what Europe wants—compact hot hatches—so it’s definitely a topic under discussion.’
Founded in 2012, Hyundai’s N performance brand is still relatively young, yet it has made enough of an impression to stand alongside established names like Mercedes-AMG and BMW M. The brand has delivered some of the most thrilling models on the market, including the Veloster N. With that quirky but brilliant hatchback now retiring, an electric successor would be a welcome addition—better than having no replacement at all.
Hyundai’s N Performance Brand Is on the Right Track
Based on Hyundai’s recent efforts with its electric N models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, the automaker seems to be moving in the right direction. The N brand has introduced some of the most innovative features in electric performance vehicles—such as simulated gear shifts and artificial exhaust notes—earning praise from industry heavyweights like Ferrari and BMW. Lamborghini even admitted to using those features as a benchmark.
We won’t see the production version of the Concept Three until next year, so an N variant is unlikely to arrive within the next 12 months. Don’t worry, though—Hyundai still has plenty planned for its N lineup, including combustion-powered models. This includes the next-generation Elantra N, which is expected to retain its internal combustion engine without any electrification for its upcoming iteration.
