Hyundai Replaces Best-Selling Hatchback with New EV

Hyundai just closed the chapter on one of its most successful cars ever, but what's coming next shows how quickly the automotive world is changing for the better.

The i10 hatchback, which sold over 3.3 million units globally since 2008, has officially ended production in Europe and the UK. The affordable city car earned its popularity through practical features like modern tech and comfortable interiors, with more than 370,000 sold in the UK alone.

But Hyundai isn't leaving fans empty-handed. The company is clearing space at its Turkey manufacturing plant for the IONIQ 3, an all-electric hatchback launching in April 2026.

The new electric model represents a bold redesign with what Hyundai calls an "Aero Hatch" profile. Early prototypes spotted testing show a sporty look complete with a ducktail spoiler, staying true to the concept vehicle revealed last September.

Size-wise, the IONIQ 3 matches competitors like the Kia EV3 and Volkswagen ID.3, making it larger than its predecessor. While pricing hasn't been announced, experts expect it to start around £25,000 ($33,700), positioned between the budget-friendly Inster EV at £23,495 and the Kona Electric at £35,000.

The Ripple Effect

The i10's retirement signals a broader transformation sweeping through Europe's automotive market. City cars running on gas are gradually disappearing as manufacturers pivot to electric and hybrid options that offer better efficiency and lower emissions.

The Kia Picanto now stands as the UK's only remaining gas-powered city car, but even that may change soon with Kia's EV2 on the horizon. Meanwhile, several automakers including Volkswagen are preparing entry-level electric vehicles for launch in coming years, giving budget-conscious buyers more clean transportation choices.

This shift means everyday drivers can now access the same technology that was once reserved for luxury vehicles, all while reducing their carbon footprint and fuel costs.

While US buyers won't see the IONIQ 3 stateside due to market preferences for larger vehicles, Americans can still find affordable electric options in Hyundai's lineup, with IONIQ 5 leases starting at just $189 monthly.

The transition from beloved gas cars to exciting electric alternatives shows progress doesn't mean sacrifice.