HYUNDAI LAUNCHES ITS NEW EV BRAND WITH IONIQ 5 SUV

Hyundai has taken the wraps off the Ioniq 5, an all-electric SUV with retro-inspired styling and a near-300-mile range.

Based on the Hyundai group’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 sticks remarkably close to 2019’s 45 EV concept but draws design inspiration from Hyundai’s first car, the Pony, launched 45 years ago.

A long wheelbase – allowed by the Ev-specific platform – means the 20-inch wheels are tucked out towards the corners while simple sharp creases give it a clean unfussy look. Pixel-style lighting is carried over from the concept car and at the front these square light units sit beneath a clamshell bonnet designed to minimise shutlines. Flushfitted door handles help keep the clean look and improve aerodynamic performance.

The minimalist approach is continued inside where the wide use of recycled or sustainable materials helps reinforce the Ioniq’s ecoconscious credentials.

Hyundai says that the long wheelbase and flat floor mean the C-segment SUV offers interior space and comfort of cars from the class above, with a sliding rear bench and combined front and rear luggage space of 588 litres.

The Ioniq 5 is available with two battery sizes – 58kwh or 72.6kwh – each of which can be specified with two- or fourwheel-drive.

The most powerful variant, which uses two motors and the larger battery, produces 302bhp and 446lb ft and can cover 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. At the other end of the range, a single motor, twowheel drive model with the 58kwh battery offers 168bhp and 258lb ft with a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds. This will offer up to 282 miles on a single charge.

The Ioniq 5 features 800V battery technology which allows ultra-rapid charging. At a 220kw DC charger, the Ioniq 5 will charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes and add 62 miles of range in just five minutes. The car can also be specified with solar panels in the roof to help top up the battery.

Deliveries of the Ioniq 5 will begin in mid-2021. Prices for the full range are yet to be confirmed but the limited edition Project 45 launch model is available to order now from £45,000 after the Plug-in Car Grant.