Hyundai reveals updated Ioniq range
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 18th Jan 2019
HYUNDAI Motor Company has ripped the covers off the updated version of its environmentally friendly Ioniq sedan, after the first-generation model went on sale locally in November.
Debuting globally in 2016, the refreshed version of the Ioniq will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2019, while an Australian arrival is slated for around the same time.
Hyundai has revealed minor changes to the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Ioniq inside and out, including additional features and specification to keep the three-powertrain model range fresh.
The Electric, which is set for a slightly delayed launch in Europe, can be expected to retain the same changes.
From the outside, the LED headlight design has been tweaked for a more segmented look, while the horizontal slat grille has been swapped out for the cascading grille design as seen on models such as the Santa Fe large SUV.
Rear styling has remained largely unchanged with the exception of the LED tail-lights, while three new colours have been added to the Ioniq’s palette – Fluidic Metal, Electric Shadow and Liquid Sand.
Inside, a new 10.25-inch multimedia system will be offered as an option above the current 8.0-inch unit, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition and Hyundai’s Bluelink telematics services.
The new Ioniq will feature a Green-zone drive mode that automatically switches the car’s driving mode in designated areas to prioritise use of the electric motor over the internal combustion engine.
No mention has been made of changes to the three powertrains, suggesting the 104kW/265Nm Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, and 88kW/295Nm Electric will carry over unchanged.
Borrowing technology from the Kona Electric, the Ioniq will feature one-pedal driving capability, Utility Mode for using on-board functions even when the car is switched off, and Eco+ Mode, which can help extend remaining battery energy during unforseen emergency situations.
Like the existing Ioniq, the new version will come with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane keep assist.
It will also retain the adjustable regenerative braking feature from the current model.
More details on the local Ioniq range including exact specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the model’s launch in the second half of the year.
Offered in Elite and Premium trim levels, the current Ioniq range kicks off from $33,990 plus on-roads for the Hybrid Elite and tops out at $48,990 for the Electric Premium.
