Hyundai goes all-electric 07 | 12 | 2015
HYUNDAI IS TO launch its first dedicated electric model next year; the new Ioniq — which will also be available as a plug-in and plug-in hybrid — will immediately go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius
Billed as the first car from any manufacturer to be offered with three powertrain options within a single body type, Hyundai says the Ioniq "breaks the mould for hybrid vehicles".
According to the Korean manufacturer, the Ioniq "combines class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design — a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle."
Built on a brand new platform — which is shared with sister brand Kia for the new Niro, also due to launch in 2016 — the Ioniq's chassis has been optimised to deliver "responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations."
In fully-electric mode, power comes from a lithium-ion battery; in the plug-in hybrid version the electric motor is joined by an efficient petrol engine; while the hybrid use a petrol engine to charge the onboard battery.
Though it's yet to be confirmed, it's believed Hyundai will use the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine which is already fitted in the i30 range.
Related: Hyundai scoops Scots Design/Innovation Award
The car will be unveiled globally in Korea on January before making its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It's also expected the car will go on-sale in Scotland before the end of 2016.
According to Hyundai, the new car’s name references elements of its creation. An ion is an electrically-charged atom, linking to the car’s clever combination of electrified powertrains.
The second part of the name references the unique offering it brings to the Hyundai range, demonstrating the brand’s environmental commitment and willingness to maximise choice for its customers.
Finally, the Q is depicted in the car’s logo as a visual breakthrough, acknowledging the fresh new approach of this advanced, low-emission model.
“Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles," Woong-Chul Yang,Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of Ioniq.
"Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment.
"Ioniq embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; Ioniq is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”
Related: Hyundai breaks 1m UK barrier
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Jim McGill