Sponsored
A whirlwind Milan escape, design week energy and the new Hyundai IONIQ 3
Sponsored By
Follow IMAGE contributing fashion editor Sinead Keenan as she travels to Milan with Hyundai for the unveiling of the new IONIQ 3.
There are worse ways to spend a working day than an early-morning flight to Milan. As the city of style was in full swing for Milan Design Week, I found myself swapping Dublin drizzle for espresso bars, polished streets and that unmistakable Milanese sense of purpose. Everywhere you looked, there was design in motion – beautifully dressed people walking through cobbled streets, sculptural shop windows, interiors worth moving house for, and creativity spilling from every corner.
After landing, it was a quick stop at the hotel to freshen up, a swift outfit change, and then a taxi through Milan’s elegant tree-lined streets en route to the launch venue. Even that journey felt cinematic, the kind only Milan can deliver – the perfect setting for Hyundai to unveil the all-new IONIQ 3.
Now, I’ll be honest. I’m not someone who leads with horsepower statistics or mechanical specs. What interests me more is how something looks, how it feels to use, and whether it actually fits into real life. Is it stylish? Is it practical? Does it make everyday life easier? Those are the questions many women I know ask too.
And that’s exactly where the IONIQ 3 surprised me. The launch took place in a striking immersive exhibition space built around the theme ‘From Paper to Steel’, showing how the car began as sketches and folded-paper concepts before evolving into its final sculptural form.
It felt more like visiting an installation than attending a car reveal, which made perfect sense for Milan Design Week. Hyundai clearly wanted to place the IONIQ 3 in the world of design, not just motoring – even the details around the event reflected that thinking.
Staff were stylishly dressed in custom uniforms by Uniqlo, embroidered with the car’s Mr Pixel motif, while the impeccably stylish Caroline Issa, CEO and fashion director of TANK Magazine, hosted proceedings, keeping style and design firmly at the heart of the launch.
The car itself has a clean, modern confidence to it. Sleek lines, sharp details and Hyundai’s signature pixel lighting give it a polished, contemporary feel. It’s compact enough for city life, but without looking apologetically small. Think less “tiny runaround”, more “smart urban essential”.
What impressed me most was the surprisingly spacious interior. Despite being designed with European city driving in mind, the IONIQ 3 feels far roomier than expected. The cabin has an open, calm layout with generous legroom and a sense of space that many compact cars lack.
As someone who regularly moves garment bags, rails, styling kits, shoes and the occasional oversized tote bag, boot capacity matters more to me than torque figures ever will. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical it felt.
There’s thoughtful storage throughout too. The kind of detail you only appreciate when juggling coffee cups, chargers, handbags and life.
For many women, a car isn’t about performance theatre. It’s about school runs, weekend escapes, commuting... and fitting beautifully into an already busy life.
One of the smartest things about the IONIQ 3 is that the technology feels intuitive rather than intimidating. The digital cockpit is clean and easy to navigate, with integrated navigation, media and voice control designed to simplify rather than overwhelm. In a world where everything can feel unnecessarily complicated, that kind of ease matters.
It also offers features like simplified charging, digital key access and driver assistance systems that genuinely support busy daily life rather than just sounding impressive in a brochure. What Hyundai spoke about repeatedly was freedom, not in the glossy advertising sense, but freedom from friction.
Freedom from awkward parking in tight city streets. Freedom from cramped interiors. Freedom from confusing tech. Freedom to drive electric without compromising on style or practicality… or the dreaded range anxiety!
That message resonated with me. Because for many women, a car isn’t about performance theatre. It’s about school runs, weekend escapes, commuting, shopping bags, work equipment, airport dashes and fitting beautifully into an already busy life.
After the reveal, stepping back into Milan’s elegant chaos and later sitting down to the most delicious, authentic Italian dinner in a traditional osteria, I kept thinking how perfectly judged the IONIQ 3 feels for modern European living – stylish, efficient, spacious and thoughtfully considered… much like Milan itself.
The all-new IONIQ 3
1. Sculptural design meets everyday chic
A striking ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy blends sculptural simplicity with urban elegance, delivering a compact electric car that feels fashion-forward, expressive, and refreshingly different from conventional hatchbacks.
2. Surprisingly spacious, effortlessly practical
Despite its compact footprint, a long wheelbase and flat floor create an airy, lounge-like cabin, offering generous legroom and comfort that fits seamlessly into busy, style-conscious modern lifestyles.
3. Electric range that keeps up with real life
With up to 496 km WLTP range, plus two battery options, it delivers flexible, confidence-boosting driving that supports commuting, weekend escapes, and spontaneous plans without constant charging anxiety.
4. Fast charging for women on the go
DC fast-charging from 10 to 80% in around 29 minutes ensures minimal downtime, making it ideal for multitasking lifestyles where time is precious and convenience is non-negotiable.
5. A digital experience that feels intuitive
The new Pleos Connect infotainment system, with large touchscreen options and AI-enhanced voice control, creates a seamless, smartphone-like experience designed to simplify journeys and enhance everyday connectivity.
6. Comfort that feels consciously luxurious
Relaxation seats, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully selected sustainable materials inspired by nature and Italian design create a refined, feel-good interior that balances luxury with mindful, modern living.
7. Smart energy, beyond just driving
Vehicle-to-load capability allows the car to power devices and lifestyle essentials, transforming it into a versatile energy hub perfect for travel, outdoor moments, or simply enhancing everyday convenience.
To learn more, visit hyundai.ie or follow Hyundai Ireland on Instagram.
Also Read
