Türkiye-built Hyundai IONIQ 3 reaches European Car of the Year 2027 final

Hyundai IONIQ 3 has been selected as one of seven finalists for European Car of the Year 2027. Designed and developed in Europe and manufactured at Hyundai Motor Türkiye’s İzmit plant, the electric compact hatchback will compete for the result announced in Brussels on 8 January 2027.

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A finalist place for the İzmit-built EV

The independent jury of automotive journalists selected IONIQ 3 among seven models proceeding to the final assessment. Being shortlisted does not mean the car has won: the finalists will be ranked following further evaluation and voting. The winner is scheduled to be announced at the Brussels Motor Show.

Hyundai says IONIQ 3 was developed around the everyday needs of European users. Combining European design and development with production in Türkiye, the model is a recent addition to the brand’s regional electric-vehicle range. The Turkish release names automotive journalist Ufuk Sandık as Türkiye’s jury member.

Aero Hatch design and cabin practicality

IONIQ 3 combines Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design approach with a compact hatchback body. The company’s stated drag coefficient of 0.263 is one technical indicator of its focus on aerodynamic efficiency. That figure alone does not determine energy consumption under every road condition.

The interior provides seating for five and 441 litres of luggage capacity. Hyundai highlights everyday usability and cabin space within compact exterior dimensions. For drivers considering electric mobility, the car’s suitability for family and urban use forms part of its positioning alongside the electric powertrain.

A new infotainment platform with Pleos Connect

The model’s 14.6-inch central touchscreen features Pleos Connect, based on Android Automotive OS. Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment approach is intended to support access to in-car digital services and ease of use. Equipment and service availability can vary by market and version.

Hyundai Motor Europe executive Christopher McKinnon describes the finalist place as recognition of the work involved in development and production. The company says it aims to combine design, efficiency, interior space and digital technologies to make electric mobility attractive to a wider customer group. The competition result will be known on 8 January 2027.

Source: the organisation’s press release dated 30 October 2026. Official information and further details.