3 very special cars
The Hyundai IONIQ stands for aesthetic progress. The five-seater hatchback is the only car in the world that’s available with a choice of three alternative powertrains: hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid. Each variation allows pure electric driving
Distinctive style. Outstanding economy. Dynamic driving characteristics. Advanced safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking or the rear cross traffic alert, as well as the unique 3-in-1 drive concept. These are just a few of the extraordinary features that stand for the impressive new Hyundai IONIQ that has already helped the manufacturer to win numerous awards. For example, Hyundai Motor has been awarded the Technology award for its Green Technologies by Auto Express in their annual New Car Awards 2016. The company has been recognised as the first manufacturer to offer its customers a complete range of eco-technologies; which include e.g. the All-new IONIQ – the world’s first car offering three electrified powertrains. Hyundai Motor also has excelled in the 2017 Carbuyer awards scooping three awards; two of them for the IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Electric. The new IONIQ Hybrid was named Best Hybrid, the IONIQ Electric was awarded Best Road-tax-exempt. And Hyundai’s IONIQ has been awarded Best Small Hatch at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017. For the first time, the IONIQ makes eco-friendly motoring possible in a modern hatchback with a choice of three different drivetrains: hybrid, electric and plug-in hybrid. Especially in terms of driving dynamics the 4.47 metrelong car is convincing. With maximum torque of 295Nm available from zero revs, the 88kw (118bhp/120ps) IONIQ Electric* pulls strongly, accelerating from 0-62mph in only 9.9 seconds. It has an electronically limited top speed of 103mph. Crucially, the maximum range from a single charge is 174 miles. The IONIQ Hybrid* delivers a total of 104kw (139bhp/141ps) and 265Nm from its combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. On the road, this translates into a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds on standard models, as well as a top speed of 115mph. All
three variants of the IONIQ meet the expectations of a growing group of motorists who want a highly efficient, low-emission vehicle without having to compromise on driving characteristics or design – Hyundai’s number one purchase reason. These futuristic, hi-tech and eco-friendly attributes pay off for the IONIQ. It has extremely strong residual value forecasts according to independent studies by trade experts Eurotaxglass’s and CAP. Another contribution to these positive price predictions are the unique Hyundai five-year/unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty, as well as the eight-year warranty, covering the high-voltage battery up to 125,000 miles. Buyers are promised real peace of mind.
We get behind the wheel of Volvo’s rugged new estate on UK roads.
speeds. With the roof down (and the wind deflector up) it’s pretty easy to hold a conversation at motorway speeds.
More impressive is the folding mechanism, which sees the top open in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and requires a single push of the button rather than the usual procedure of pressing the switch with one hand off the wheel.
There’s more revolution under the skin. The new platform means the A5 Cabriolet is 40kg lighter than before, but due to extra strengthening Audi claims it’s around 40 per cent stiffer, too. As a result, it feels almost identical to the Coupé most of the time, with accurate but numb steering, decent body control and loads of grip thanks to the quattro all-wheel-drive system.
For the most part, it’s a very comfortable car, particularly on the smaller wheels of our test model. However, there is more body movement in fast bends than in the hardtop A5, thanks to a slightly softer set-up. Also, despite the claimed boost in stiffness, Audi hasn’t totally eradicated body shake over really rough roads and sharp potholes – like most four-seat convertibles at this price, it’s noticeable enough that keen drivers are still better served by the Coupé.
Despite this, the A5 is a very strong choice for those dead set on a soft-top. Even this entry-level diesel feels perfectly up to the job, providing strong mid-range performance and respectable claimed fuel economy of 60.1mpg.
While it doesn’t exactly produce the aural delights and straight-line pace of the range-topping 349bhp S5, at least the diesel drone settles down to a subdued hum whether the roof is up or down. In fact, if you can’t stretch to the excellent six-cylinder diesel, it’s probably our pick of the range.