Hyundai IONIQ 3 Named European Car of the Year 2027 Finalist

Offenbach am Main, 30 October 2026 – Hyundai Motor's all-electric IONIQ 3 has been named one of seven finalists for the European Car of the Year 2027 award. Selected by an independent jury of automotive journalists from across Europe, the nomination places IONIQ 3 among the contenders for one of Europe's most established automotive awards. The winner will be announced on 8 January 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show.

Designed in Europe and produced at Hyundai Motor Türkiye's İzmit plant, IONIQ 3 has been developed specifically for European customers. The fully 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 below €30,000 across European markets, IONIQ 3 aims to make electric mobility accessible to a broader range of customers.

“Being named a finalist for European Car of the Year is important recognition for IONIQ 3 and for the work that has gone into its development,” said Christopher McKinnon, Vice President, Head of Product and Product Director Office for Europe at Hyundai Motor Europe. “We set out to create an electric car designed around the needs of European customers, combining distinctive design with class-leading aerodynamics, strong driving range and exceptional interior space, together with advanced technology at an accessible price. The response from customers has been very encouraging, with orders already exceeding our initial expectations. This nomination reflects the strength of that overall package and our ambition to make electric mobility both desirable and practical for more people.”

Key Highlights of the Hyundai IONIQ 3:

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

IONIQ 3 combines several class-leading features that address 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 accessible pricing makes electric mobility available to a broader range of customers.

What is the European Car of the Year Award?

The European Car of the Year award is an independent automotive competition established in 1964. Its international jury consists 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 8 January 2027 at the Brussels Motor Show.

– End –

About Hyundai Motor Europe HQ
​Hyundai Motor Europe HQ was formally established in 2000, with its main office located in Offenbach, Germany. Serving as the regional headquarters, it is responsible for the sales of vehicles in 42 European countries through over 2,000 sales and aftersales outlets. With 603,542 vehicles sold in 2025, Hyundai holds a markets share of 4.2 % across EU35 (EU, EFTA, UK, Eastern Europe and Turkey). More than 70 per cent of Hyundai vehicles sold in the region are models engineered, tested, and manufactured in Europe, tailored to meet the specific needs of European customers. These vehicles are designed and engineered in Hyundai’s R&D facilities in Germany, and produced at the company’s Czech and Turkish production plants.

In 2025, 24 per cent of Hyundai cars sold in Europe were electrified vehicles, including INSTER, named 2025 World Electric Vehicle and the IONIQ 9 named Germany’s 2026 Premium Car of the Year. This solidifies Hyundai’s position as one of the leading manufacturers in terms of electrification in Europe as the company undergoes a transformation into a Smart Mobility Solutions Provider. Moreover, about 80 per cent of Hyundai’s current line-up in Europe is available as an electrified version.

With its vision of “Progress for Humanity” and a strong commitment to electrification, Hyundai is accelerating the expansion of its battery‑electric vehicle line-up, electrifying all models in Europe by 2027. A major milestone on this journey will be the launch of the highly anticipated IONIQ 3 in 2026, set to become a key highlight in Hyundai’s EV portfolio. Hyundai offers a unique Five-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package with all new cars sold in the region. This package includes a five-year warranty with no mileage limit, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks, providing customers with added peace of mind.

More information about Hyundai Motor Europe HQ and its products is available at www.hyundai.news.

Follow Hyundai Motor Europe HQ on X @HyundaiEurope, Instagram @Hyundai.Europe and TikTok @Hyundai.Europe