Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Hyundai Ioniq to have three electric options within single body

Korean manufacturer sets its sights on Toyota Prius with a full electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid and full hybrid

Graham Scott
Tuesday 26 January 2016 14:11 GMT
Comments
Ioniq hybrid will match a 1.6-litre GDi engine with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor
Ioniq hybrid will match a 1.6-litre GDi engine with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor

Hyundai’s Ioniq will be the first car on the market to have three electric powertrain options with a single body. You will be able to have a full electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid or full hybrid.

Hyundai will start with the hybrid. This will match a 1.6-litre GDi engine with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor. The engine gives 103bhp, which has an additional 43bhp added by the electric motor. As is the way of these things, the electric motors brings in more torque, 125lb ft, compared to the traditional petrol engine’s 108lb ft.

As yet, details for the other two power set-ups has not been revealed. But like the hybrid, drive will be to the front wheels courtesy of a six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Hyundai are claiming a class-leading efficiency for the transmission.

The Ioniq's interior looks fairly minimalist and clutter-free

The powerplants will be housed in a new platform, one which has been built in collaboration with sister company Kia. Handling should be good as Hyundai are aiming for a ride that offers some fun as well as efficiency.

The exterior is very aerodynamic, again a class-leader according to Hyundai, with an interior which looks fairly minimalist and clutter-free. There appear to be some influences from the Tuscon, including the digital touchscreen located between the two centre air vents.

Hyundai are aiming for a ride that offers some fun as well as efficiency

Hyundai are claiming some firsts with the Ioniq as well as class-leading figures for everything from aerodynamic efficiency to the range of power options. The Toyota Prius is firmly in the sights of the Korean manufacturer, who see the Ioniq as a new departure for them.

As Hyundai says: ‘As the world’s first model to offer customers the choice of three powertrain options, the Ionic combines class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design – a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle.’

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in