Ioniq recharges the market
T HE surge of energy on electric avenue has hit a new high - and Korean brand Hyundai has emerged as the leader.
As consumers push to save fuel and cut air pollution, hybrids - powered by a petrol or diesel engine plus electric motor - plug-in hybrids and 100 per cent electric cars are all on an upward curve.
And Hyundai is about to become the world’s fi rst car manufacturer to offer all three of these electrified powertrains in the shape of its new Ioniq model.
When the hybrid and fully electric variants hit the streets on October 27 - the plug-in follows next year - prices will start at £19,995. That’s for a hybrid 1.6-litre GDi in entry grade SE trim, while the Ioniq Electric Premium will have a tab of £24,495 including the Government’s £ 4,500 grant for vehicles of this nature.
As both Hyundai and its sister brand Kia continue a trend that has seen them tugging at the coat-tails of the premium producers, the Ioniq arrives as a high quality performer, both on the road and in terms of its fit and fi nish.
Technology too, was seen as a priority, the likes of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems on every car.
Go for higher grade models, at an extra cost of £1,800, and features like wireless phone charging, a TomTom Live sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity join the party.
That’s in addition to Hyundai’s fiveyear, unlimited mileage warranty which for the EV has been extended to eight years and 125,000 miles for the lithium- ion battery pack.
A switch to Ioniq electric is a rewarding experience. You just press a button for drive, reverse, neutral or park and slip off silently. Within minutes though you forget what it exactly is you’re driving as the experience is more akin to piloting a smooth petrolpowered model.
If the Ioniq suggests that the next 12 months will be a hectic time for Hyundai, well it’s actually going to get a whole lot busier. A new i10 city car is due in January, followed by the compact i30 in March, a wagon around mid-2017 and a model with a new bodystyle due later in the year. And in contrast to the eco vehicles Hyundai’s performance ‘N’ division is revving up for its debut too. Interesting times.