Then there’s Premium, which adds 17-inch alloys, power folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, and automatic rain-sensing wipers. Ultimate includes heated seats and steering wheel, matrix LED headlights, posher trim and 18-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping N-Line Evo range-topper features an N-Line bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, driver's seat memory settings, and a digital key. 

There are plenty of paint options available for the Ioniq 3, including metallic, or matte finishes. Advance has solid Fierce Red as the standard, no-cost option. Special Solid White is available on all Ioniq 3 trims for £350. There is also a variety of metallic/pearl paint choices priced at £795: Phantom Black, Lumen Grey, Aurora Grey, Vibrant Blue, and Ice Blue. You can also specify Fierce Red Matte Paint (£1,295) with N-Line Evo trim.  

Interior and dashboard design

The Ioniq 3’s dash has a central infotainment display in either 12.9 or 14.9-inch sizes. It is the first model to be fitted with Hyundai’s new Pleos infotainment platform, which will eventually be rolled out to the rest of the range. 

Choose any trim other than Advance, and there’s a useful customisable 9.9-inch driver’s display on the top of the dashboard, giving speed and range information right in your line of sight. There are also physical controls under the screen for key functions, such as the fan speed and temperature, which are much easier to adjust on the move than through a screen. 

Materials and build quality

With the Ioniq 3’s affordable pricing, you might expect Hyundai to have cut corners with the materials and build quality, but this isn’t the case. In general, the interior finish is impressive, feeling as good as in some premium alternatives. The only disappointments are the harder than expected dashboard plastics and the firmer and shinier plastics on the top of the Advance trim’s doors. 

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

All Ioniq 3s benefit from Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system. It operates through either 12.6 or 14.6-inch touchscreens according to the version, along with the slim 9.9-inch customisable driver’s display, which is fitted to all models except the Advance. The new operating system is designed to work like a smartphone, and is pleasingly user-friendly once you know where all its features are. The built-in mapping is from Google Maps, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also well integrated.