This is something we've been waiting for. Hyundai is jumping into the hybrid game with two feet as it revealed the all-new Hyundai Ioniq models at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show (GIMS).
We think this is a big deal for one primary reason: it may be the first real challenger to the Toyota Prius.
Geneva Motor Show
While there's been a slew of hybrid offerings hitting the market — two excellent examples are the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid — none of them have really connected with the market quite like the Prius.
The Prius is the go-to choice when it comes to a hybrid automobile. While the all-new generation Prius has launched and boasts a very controversial design, I am driving one this week and my initial impression is that it's a significant improvement over the last-gen vehicle from a driving dynamics perspective. Oh, and I got a ridiculous 65 mpg on my ride home from New York City the other night.
Now, if Hyundai's Ioniq models come to the U.S. — we do not know Hyundai's plan yet, so this is speculation — we know it will most certainly be aggressive on price and offer products with better exterior design and, arguably, better interiors.
As you see it, do YOU think that the Hyundai Ioniq models have a chance of taking a significant bite of the Toyota Prius' market share? We saw Hyundai take a bite with cars like the Sonata and Elantra. Can lightning strike twice?
Geneva Motor Show
Hyundai's press release follows:
Dedicated to Disrupt: All-New Hyundai IONIQ
Line-Up Electrifies Geneva Motor Show
- World's first vehicle platform with three electrified powertrains offers low- to zero-emission mobility accessible to everyone
- Innovative IONIQ delivers uncompromised driving experience and design
- Unveiling of the IONIQ line-up at the Geneva Motor Show is available live stream: media, enthusiasts and fans worldwide can be part of the experience
At the Geneva Motor Show 2016, Hyundai Motor is introducing the All-New Hyundai IONIQ line-up consisting of: IONIQ Hybrid, IONIQ Electric and IONIQ Plug-in. As the world's first model offering three electrified powertrains, IONIQ will make low-to zero-emission mobility accessible to everyone. This new approach delivers an uncompromised design and driving experience through innovative technology, latest connectivity and safety technologies.
The All-New Hyundai IONIQ is an important milestone of Hyundai Motor's sustainability strategy, bringing to life the brand's new thinking through new innovative technologies and extending the company's product range to support further organic sales growth in Europe and other markets.
"IONIQ is an important step forward for our brand in Europe. We are bringing a unique new approach to e-mobility, without compromising on design, driving pleasure and new connectivity features. And we're making it accessible to more customers by further extending our product line-up," said Jochen Sengpiehl, Vice President Marketing at Hyundai Motor Europe.
The IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Plug-in both feature the new Kappa 1.6 GDI, direct injection petrol, four-cylinder engine with a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent, delivering 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. The engine has been tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with the directly responding, smooth shifting six-speed double clutch transmission – differentiating the
IONIQ from its competitors with a more dynamic driving experience. The mated electric motor enables pure electric driving and delivers instant torque as the chassis with rear multi-link suspension greatly enhancing driving dynamics.
The IONIQ Hybrid's electric motor delivers 32 kW (43.5 PS) with maximum torque of 170 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity positioned under the rear seats. In combination with the 1.6-GDI engine, IONIQ Hybrid offers a system output of 103.6 kW (141 PS) and up to 265 Nm of torque accelerating to a top speed of 185 km/h with targeted CO2 emissions as low as 79 g/km (combined).
Drivers choosing the IONIQ Plug-in can safely rely on over 50 kilometres of estimated pure electric driving range powered by the potent 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The 45kW (61 PS) electric motor together with the 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine targets CO2 emissions as low as 32 g/km.
The IONIQ Electric offers pure e-mobility through a 28 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery for an estimated range of over 250 km. The instantly available maximum torque of 295 Nm is delivered by the electric motor with maximum output of 88 kW (120 PS) through the single-speed reducer transmission accelerating the car up to 165 km/h.
The IONIQ line-up provides an enhanced customer experience inside through state-of-the art connectivity features like Android Auto, Apple Car Play as well as Tom Tom live services and wireless charging of your smartphone. Furthermore, the driving experience becomes digital through the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster displaying all key driver information.
A holistic and innovative safety package including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control ensures high safety levels for drivers and passengers alike.
All versions feature the sleek aerodynamic silhouette with a class-leading Cd value of 0.24 that complements the soft lines and surfaces tracing the All-New IONIQ's outline. A fluid exterior shape and natural air flow channels emphasize the aerodynamic body lines and volumes.
Blue accents in the IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Plug-in emphasize specific elements on the exterior and completing a seamless design in the interior. The IONIQ Electric features exclusive copper coloured accents, creating an impression that electricity flows through the car's interior inspired
by the trait of copper being a conductor for electricity.
"With our pioneering ix35 Fuel Cell electric vehicle and several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models sold around the world, Hyundai Motor already has a proven capability in electrified powertrains. Now, with the launch of our first dedicated model, we are taking the lead as the only car manufacturer with hybrid, electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles in production," said Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe.
All technical specifications are preliminary and subject to homologation.