Hyundai IONIQ 3 - Full Review & Drive

Can Hyundai's sharp new electric compact hatchback dominate the B-segment in Ireland? Derek Reilly takes the all-new Hyundai IONIQ 3 N Line out to Surge View in Blacksod on the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo for a full road test and walkaround on Nevo EV Review! Finished in striking Vivid Blue Pearl, Derek tests the range-topping N Line specification featuring the larger 61 kWh battery pack. We explore Hyundai's "Art of Steel" exterior styling, including gloss black aerodynamic body cladding, illuminated pixel front lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an assertive rear roof spoiler splitting the two-stage rear hatch. Inside, we explore the N Line cabin with red contrast stitching, sculpted Alcantara and fabric sports seats, physical tactile climate buttons, an intuitive column-mounted gear selector, and the new Android-based Pleos infotainment system with its 9.9-inch driver display and Range Guide widget. Finally, Derek takes it out on challenging rural Mayo roads and motorways to evaluate its engaging suspension tuning, i-Pedal one-pedal driving, cabin sound suppression, and real-world efficiency figures down to 13.6 kWh/100km. Video Chapters 00:00 Intro: Testing the Hyundai IONIQ 3 N Line in County Mayo with Derek Reilly 01:10 N Line Styling: Gloss Black Trim, Illuminated Front Pixels & Aero Slats 02:02 Under the Bonnet: Front-Wheel Drive Packaging & Component Layout 02:35 Irish Pricing & Lineup: €27,995 Starting Price, 42 kWh vs 61 kWh Packs 03:19 Charging Specs: 11 kW AC, 115 kW DC Speeds & Front-Right Port 03:45 Side Profile: Visor A-Pillars, Wedge Side Glass & Flush Door Handles 05:04 Aerodynamics: 0.23 Drag Coefficient & 18-inch Hankook iON evo Tyres 06:06 Rear Design: N Line Dual Spoiler, Split Glass & Pixel Taillights 06:44 Boot Practicality: 441L Capacity, Two-Stage Load Floor & Deep Megabox 08:00 Rear Passenger Space: Flat Floor, Legroom & 6'2 Adult Headroom Check 09:30 Rear Cabin Amenities: USB-C Ports, Centre Armrest & Cupholders 10:22 Front Cockpit Tour: N Line Trim Pricing (€36,500), Materials & Bose Audio 11:05 Driver Controls: Electronic Handbrake, Tactile Air Vents & Red Piping 11:31 Displays & Ergonomics: 9.9-inch Driver Display & Squircle Steering Wheel 12:12 Regenerative Braking: 3-Stage Modes, i-Pedal & Column Gear Selector 13:13 Pleos Infotainment OS: Android Base, Range Guide Widget & Settings 14:42 Physical Switchgear: Dedicated Climate Toggles & Volume Dials 15:10 Centre Console Storage: Modular Deep Cupholders & Wireless Phone Charger 16:25 Powertrain Specs: 147 hp Motor, 250 Nm Torque & Top Speed 17:05 Rear Visibility Analysis: Split Rear Window & Absence of Rear Wiper 18:15 Battery Chemistries: 42 kWh CATL LFP vs 61 kWh Samsung NCM 19:02 Nevo EV Show 2026 Announcement: RDS Simmonscourt (Nov 7–8) 19:26 Road Test Begins: Engaging Chassis Setup & Ride Dynamics 20:30 Handling & Body Control: Fast Direction Changes on Mayo B-Roads 21:34 Active Safety & UI: Blind-Spot Warnings & Distinctive Digital Fonts 23:05 Real-World Efficiency: 13.6 to 15.0 kWh/100km Across 600 km Test 23:38 Refinement & NVH: Motorway Cabin Acoustics & Sound Proofing 24:50 Hyundai Design Identity: "Art of Steel" Philosophy & Brand Heritage 25:45 Braking System: i-Pedal Precision & All-Round Disc Brakes 26:48 Final Verdict: The B-Segment Contender, Irish Value & Outro Top Features of the Hyundai IONIQ 3 N Line Distinctive "Art of Steel" Aero Styling: Emphasises a low 0.23 drag coefficient with a wedge-shaped profile, flush mechanical door handles, gloss black wheel arch trims, an aggressive rear diffuser, and a dual-element rear spoiler. Dual Battery & Chemistry Strategy: Offered in Ireland with an entry-level 42 kWh CATL-sourced LFP pack (335 km WLTP) or a long-range 61 kWh Samsung-sourced NCM pack (up to 497 km WLTP), both delivering 250 Nm of instant torque. High Real-World Driving Efficiency: Achieved exceptional real-world efficiency figures between 13.6 and 15.0 kWh/100km across over 600 km of testing on mixed Irish motorway and regional secondary routes in Mayo. Versatile Pleos Android-Based Infotainment: Operates an ultra-responsive Android interface featuring integrated Google apps, wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, and a dynamic Range Guide widget displaying real-time city, highway, and high-speed range projections. Driver-Centric Physical Switchgear: Rejects screen-only complexity by retaining tactile rocker switches and physical rotary knobs for dual-zone temperature, fan speeds, seat heating, and media volume. Multi-Stage i-Pedal Regenerative Braking: Offers complete driver flexibility via steering wheel paddles, allowing toggling between smooth freewheeling coasting, three stepped regen levels, and true one-pedal driving with adjustable stopping strength. #electriccar #hyundai #ioniq3