New Hyundai Ioniq 2 to Rival Renault 4 and VW ID 2X

Hyundai is preparing to shake up the European EV market with the arrival of the Hyundai Ioniq 2, an affordable electric hatchback designed to take on the upcoming Renault 4, Volkswagen ID 2X, and Skoda Epiq. Positioned between the Hyundai Inster and Kona Electric, the Ioniq 2 aims to attract new buyers with competitive pricing, practical design, and advanced electric technology.

Key Takeaways

• Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 2 targets the booming compact electric hatchback segment.
• Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, shared with Kia and Genesis, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Expected reveal at the Munich Motor Show in 2026, with sales starting in Q3 that year.
• Likely to offer battery options similar to Kia’s EV3, with ranges up to 372 miles.
• Estimated starting price around £25,000 to compete with Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID 2X.

Expanding Hyundai’s Electric Portfolio

In the first half of 2025, Hyundai sold 265,680 cars in Europe—just 7,939 fewer than Kia. The upcoming Ioniq 2 is a strategic step to close that gap, broadening the brand’s EV line-up and reinforcing its competitive edge. Hyundai Europe boss Xavier Martinet emphasized the brand’s focus on increasing its “electrified mix” over the next few years, signaling a clear commitment to affordability and accessibility in the EV sector.

The Ioniq 2 will mark Hyundai’s entry into a growing market for compact electric hatchbacks. Its introduction comes at a time when urban-friendly EVs are gaining traction among European consumers, with rivals such as the Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID 2X set to debut around the same time.

Read Also : Spyshots : Hyundai Tucson N Could Outgun RAV4 GR Sport

Design and Dimensions

Spy images reveal the Hyundai Ioniq 2 as a raised hatchback with a raked roofline, drawing comparisons to the Volkswagen ID 2X. Up front, the design is expected to echo the sleek, futuristic styling of the Ioniq 6, featuring slim LED headlights and a bold, technical fascia.

Measuring close to the size of the combustion-engine Hyundai Bayon, the Ioniq 2 will offer compact city-friendly proportions while delivering the practicality and interior space European buyers demand.

Inside the Ioniq 2

Hyundai promises a “step change” in usability compared to its current Ioniq models. The cabin will feature a combined digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen spanning roughly half the dashboard width, offering a cleaner and more connected driving experience. Expect a tech-forward design, with upgraded materials and intuitive controls to appeal to younger, tech-savvy buyers.

Technical Foundations

The Ioniq 2 will ride on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the same scalable architecture underpinning nearly all Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs. This ensures compatibility with various battery sizes, charging speeds, and drivetrain layouts.

Based on similarities with Kia’s EV3, the Ioniq 2 is likely to feature:

Market Position and Pricing

Hyundai intends to price the Ioniq 2 competitively, around £25,000, placing it directly against the Renault 4 and Volkswagen ID 2X. This pricing strategy aims to capture budget-conscious EV buyers without compromising on technology or design.

By positioning the Ioniq 2 between the Hyundai Inster and Kona Electric, the brand ensures it covers every major segment of the electric vehicle market, from entry-level city cars to larger family crossovers.

Looking Ahead

With the Hyundai Ioniq 2, the Korean automaker is set to challenge European incumbents in one of the fastest-growing EV segments. Its combination of accessible pricing, long-range capability, and modern design could make it one of Hyundai’s most important launches in recent years.

If Hyundai delivers on its promise, the Ioniq 2 might not just be a rival to the Renault 4—it could become a benchmark for affordable electric hatchbacks in Europe.