Hyundai goes electric, widens line-up

Hyundai is offering a wider range for next year, including electric vehicles as well as sporty sedans. John Oxley reports.

Hyundai is set to introduce a number of exciting new models next year, including its first electric vehicle, the Ioniq, which will ultimately be available as either a pure electric vehicle (EV) as well as a petrol-electric hybrid, and next year, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Also on the to-do list are new Genesis models, as well as a 150kw/205nm turbo-charged version of the Elantra sedan, with a body kit, extra features, and a 1.6-litre engine returning 7.2L/100km via its seven-speed double clutch gearbox. It has modified sports suspension, as well as a new interior featuring red leather sports seats with red stitching. In a market notable for highpriced EVS, the Ioniq is bound to appeal with its $59,990 price tag, and is the first car offering three electrified powertrains. The Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in both feature the new Kappa 1.6 GDI direct injection petrol, four-cylinder engine with a high thermal efficiency of 40 percent, delivering 78kw and 147 Nm of torque, combined a six-speed double clutch transmission – differentiating the Ioniq from its competitors. The mated electric motor enables pure electric driving. The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers 32 kw with maximum torque of 170Nm, powered by a lithium-ionpolymer battery with 1.56 kwh capacity positioned under the rear seats. In combination with the 1.6 GDI engine, the Ioniq Hybrid offers a system output of 103.6 kw and up to 265Nm of torque, with targeted CO2 emissions as low as 79 g/km or lower (combined). Drivers choosing the Ioniq Plug-in get around 50km of pure electric driving range powered by the 8.9 kwh lithium-ion polymer battery. The 45kw) electric motor together with the 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine offer targeted CO2 emissions as low as 32 g/km. The Ioniq Electric offers pure e-mobility through a 28kwh lithium-ion polymer battery for an estimated maximum range of more than 250km. The instantly available maximum torque of 295Nm is delivered by the electric motor with a maximum output of 88 kw through the single-speed reducer transmission. National sales manager Scott Billman said the company would be introducing four to five new Genesis models over the next two to three years to complement the existing G90 flagship, starting with the midsized G80 in the third quarter of next year, followed by the G70 BMW 3-Series competitor.