Hyundai’s Ioniq is set to be a hugely important model not just for the company, but for the car world as a whole. The first time that a single model has been available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric variants, it means customers can pick the powertrain to suit their needs.
With a staggered launch for individual models over the course of the last couple of months, Hyundai has certainly made the most of getting a large amount of coverage in the press. Geneva was the first time that all three models had come together though, and at the most prestigious motor show around too.
The Ioniq is built on a new platform specifically designed to fit a range of powertrains – all of which feature some sort of electrification. This allowed the Ioniq to be designed without compromise in terms of packaging. Many manufacturers – the VW Group and BMW models specifically – have had to adapt their powertrains and platforms to fit each other, while there has been no such need with the new Hyundai.
The company has essentially given the car the same look with only trim highlights indicating which model an owner might be driving. The electric vehicle (EV) has some stylish copper trim dotted about to distinguish it from the two hybrids, which both use electric blue details to pick out certain design details.
The plug-in hybrid will use a 1.6 litre Kappa petrol four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 105hp and is linked to a 45kW electric motor. Emissions levels come in at 32 g/km for the PHEV Ioniq.
The all-electric Ioniq meanwhile has a quoted range of around 155 miles (the same sort of figure as the new Nissan Leaf 30 kWh) from its 28 kWh battery connected to an 88kW motor.
All models have been designed to priorities aerodynamic efficiency, while there will be a number of safety and entertainment features fitted as standard to all three models.
Now that we’ve had a chance to wonder around and sit in the Ioniq, the whole package seems impressive – especially for a first entry into the market for Hyundai. Fixtures and fittings felt well built, the steering wheel looks great and the instruments clear. Perhaps the switchgear on the dash will prove a little fiddly, though the gear selector is made up of four buttons laid out well, with a wrist rest proving a nice touch.
Full specification and pricing details will be released closer to the UK launch date.
