Hyundai's baby Ioniq 2 promises to shake up the small EV market

Hyundai is almost ready to finally reveal its smallest electric car to date, a vehicle that could carry the Ioniq 2 name and challenge the growing segment of compact electric vehicles. The Korean automaker has released the first teaser images of a new concept car set to debut at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 9.

The teaser photos, though revealing very little, hint at a design that is both futuristic and sporty. The vehicle appears to feature the brand's signature full-width LED light bars for both the headlights and taillights, a design element seen on the recently updated Ioniq 6.

The shape of the car suggests a muscular hatchback or fastback profile, complete with a distinctive integrated "ducktail" spoiler. Flared fenders and large air intakes only add to its aggressive stance. More details will be revealed soon as Hyundai promised to release two more sets of teaser images before the official unveiling.

Spy shots of a camouflaged prototype undergoing testing suggest that the production model will keep the concept's general shape, though likely with more conventional wheels and bodywork. This new addition will slot into the Ioniq family below the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and will be positioned above the smaller, city-focused Hyundai Inster.

The new electric vehicle will likely ride on the E-GMP architecture, a platform shared with its corporate cousins, the Kia EV2 and EV3. This suggests the Ioniq 2 could come with a single electric motor producing around 201 horsepower (150 kW). Power is expected to be supplied by a 58.3 kWh battery pack, which should offer a competitive driving range for its class, though official figures have not yet been released.

When it hits the market, the Ioniq 2 will face a crowded field of competitors - it will go head-to-head with European rivals such as the retro-styled Renault 5 E-Tech, the Peugeot E-208, and the Opel Corsa Electric. Other key competitors will include the Nissan Micra EV, the Citroen e-C3, and the increasingly popular BYD Dolphin from China.

The success of the Ioniq 2 will likely depend on pricing strategy, a real-world driving range, and its ability to stand out with its unique design and hopefully some clever features.

The official debut of the concept at the IAA Mobility Show (September 9 to 14) will give us a much clearer picture of what to expect from Hyundai's latest electric offering. For now, the glimpses of this new, small Ioniq suggest that Hyundai is serious about making an affordable electric vehicle.

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