Not fast, but furiously frugal

Ioniq hybrid is fine, just as long as you’re not in a hurry

The feds are imposing tough EPA mandates for automakers to maximize fuel economy at a time when gas prices are cheaper than they were in the 1960s when adjusted for inflation. Yet given the price at the pump, is it any wonder that consumers are ignoring fuel efficiency?

That’s the case with the Hyundai Ioniq, a car offered solely as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle. At a time when 2021 models are arriving in showrooms, Hyundai’s website is still flogging the 2020s. Overlooked by a shortsighted public, with prices starting at $23,200, this attractive five-door hatchback has some incredibly attractive numbers. But those who treasure the fast and furious over the frugal and fuel efficient will be disappointed when it’s time to mash the throttle. Since this is a hybrid, you can forget about 0-to-60 mph statistics. The numbers that matter come from the EPA: namely 55 mpg city, 54 mpg highway.

Offered in base Blue model, and climbing through SE, SEL and Limited trims, Hyundai supplied a Limited model for testing.

Sounds great, right?

With the pandemic economy wreaking havoc on Americans’ livelihoods, any vehicle that can help rein in expenses is welcome.

Thankfully, despite being a hybrid, the Ioniq’s design is modern without looking like some alien spacecraft, something you can’t say about its main competitor, the Toyota Prius.

Inside, the decor is definitely commensurate with its $23,200 starting price, even in the $31,200 Ioniq Limited. But the textures are attractive, and many of the materials incorporate recycled or ecologically sensitive materials. The interior door panels are made of plastic, powdered wood and volcanic stone, while the headliner uses raw elements extracted from sugar cane and the eco-friendly paint is made with ingredients extracted from soybean oil.

The Ioniq’s heart is in the right place until it comes time to drive, and that’s when the Ioniq’s economy car personality shines through.

The Ioniq uses an Atkinson Cycle DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 32-kW electric motor to deliver 139 horsepower to its front wheels through a six-speed dualclutch automatic transmission. The Ioniq is slow, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift when asked for more power — typical of economy car gearing.

The same could be said of the Ioniq’s handling.

Although the car feels stable and composed when puttering along pokey parkways, push it hard, as you might have to in an emergency maneuver, and you’ll reach its handling limits quickly as the body leans and the low rolling resistance tires howl in protest. And there’s a surprising amount of tire and road noise at highway speed.

For those looking for a car with a bit more soul, you’d be best advised to look elsewhere in the Hyundai showroom.

HYUNDAI The Hyundai Ioniq, a car offered solely as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle with prices starting at $23,200, is an attractive five-door hatchback.