Hyundai reveals Ioniq details 07 | 01 | 2016
HYUNDAI HAS RELEASED new photographs and technical details of its first dedicated electric car, the Ioniq. The car will also be available as a PHEV and petrol-electric hybrid.
The first car from any manufacturer to be offered with three powertrain options within a single body type, the Ioniq is expected to rival the Toyota Prius when it arrives in Scottish showrooms later this year.
The hybrid will be the first powertrain to be made available. Utilising a 1.6-litre Kappa GDi engine which produces a peak of 103bhp and 108.5lb/ft of torque, and a lithium-ion battery-powered permanent magnetic electric motor — which contributes a maximum of 43bhp and 125lb/ft of torque — the hybrid is claimed to have a thermal efficiency of 40%, which conveniently matches its arch-rival, the Prius.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DCT dual clutch transmission, which has been optimised for the hybrid to offer as much as 97.5% efficiency, another class leading feature, according to Hyundai.
Related: Hyundai goes all-electric
Hyundai has yet to confirm details for the other two power options. However, we do know that in its fully-electric form, power for the Ioniq is drawn from a lithium-ion battery. In hybrid form, the petrol engine is used to charge the onboard battery.
Built on a brand new platform — which is shared with sister brand Kia for the new Niro, also due to launch this year — according to Hyundai, the Ioniq has been optimised to deliver "responsive handling while remaining efficient in each of its three powertrain configurations."
And for the first time, the Korean manufacturer has shown the interior of the Ioniq. Opting for a clutter-free approach, the cabin combines “efficient use of interior space and a clear, logical approach is applied to the layout of control functions”.
Not surprisingly, Hyundai says the cabin has been made with 'eco-friendly materials': interestingly, the manufacturer hasn’t elaborated on what those materials are yet. There are though soft-touch plastics, leather with contrasted stitching and chrome-coloured trim.
The shape and layout of the dashboard closely resembles that of the Hyundai Tucson. While the heating controls look almost identical, the digital touchscreen display housed between the two central air vents has been lifted from the SUV.
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Jim McGill