14 Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq - the world’s first car to offer three electrified powertrains on one platform - is now on sale in the UK.

First available in hybrid and electric variants, a plug-in hybrid version will join the range in 2017.

Tony Whitehorn, president and chief executive Hyundai Motor UK, said: “This is a landmark launch for Hyundai.

“Not only is the all-new IONIQ the world’s first car to offer three electrified powertrains, but it’s also our first move into the electrified sector in Europe.

“We have listened to our customers and we have responded with a full portfolio of electrified models, making low- to zero-emission mobility more accessible to more people.

“Hyundai’s innovative approach delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience, the latest connectivity and safety features with an enhanced industry-leading warranty-package. 

"This is just the start" - Tony Whitehorn

“It is also an important milestone in our sustainability strategy, bringing innovative technologies to the market and extending the company’s product range of low-to-zero emission vehicles, which already includes the world’s first mass-produced fuel-cell electric vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell.

“What is more, this is just the start too – between now and 2020 we will launch 28 alternative fuel models.”

Model specification

All Ioniq models feature an airflow-optimised fastback body.

Inside, the car features the latest connectivity systems - including Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging.

Thanks to an aluminium bonnet and tailgate, the Ioniq Hybrid is 60kg lighter than the similarly sized i30 hatchback.

Placing the car’s batteries under the rear seats means the Ioniq has a 443-litre boot, some 100 litres bigger than Toyota’s Prius.

The Ioniq Hybrid has official combined fuel consumption of 83.1mpg, which gives a range of 846 miles: enough to drive from Land’s End to John O’Groats without needing to fill up.

It’s free to tax thanks to CO2 emissions of 79g/km.

The hybrid range starts at £19,995 for the SE 1.6 GDi, which includes standard features such as 15-inch alloys, DAB with Bluetooth, cruise control and rear parking sensors with rear view camera.

Safety features

Safety features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist system (LKAS) and individual tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Ioniq Hybrid Premium 1.6 GDi, from £21,795, provides additional equipment over the SE, including keyless entry with push button start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps with LED rear combination lamps and a driver’s supervision instrument cluster with seven inch LCD display.

Integrated satellite navigation with TomTom Live services, an Infinity audio system with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging (where supported) also feature as standard.

From £23,595, Ioniq Hybrid Premium SE 1.6 GDi models benefit from enhanced comfort equipment such as leather seats with heated/ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats, heated leather steering wheel and a driver power seat with integrated memory system, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, front parking assist and optional 17-inch alloy wheels.

Ioniq Electric

The hybrid will be sold alongside an all-electric model, the Ioniq Electric, with a 174-mile range.

Prices start from £24,495 (inclusive of the Government plug-in grant of £4,500) for the Premium specification, mirroring Hybrid Premium, with specific equipment including automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear combination lamps and advanced smart cruise control. Integrated satellite navigation is standard across the Ioniq Electric range.

Ioniq Electric Premium SE, available from £26,295 (again inclusive of the plug-in grant), features standard equipment such as leather seats with heated/ventilated front and heated rear seats, heated leather steering wheel and a driver power seat with integrated memory system, blind spot detection, front parking sensors and EV-specific 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Ioniq Electric is exempt from the London Congestion Charge, which represents an annual saving of £2,886.50 over a car that emits more than 75g/km of CO2 driving into central London every day.

All Electric models feature a standard rapid charge compatibility, ensuring an 80% charge capability in just 33 minutes from a 50kW public charger, whilst a standard ICCB charging cable will allow charging from a domestic three-pin supply.

Ioniq Electric also has adjustable regenerative braking, via steering column-mounted paddles.

Ioniq Hybrid is available across the Hyundai dealership network from today, with Ioniq Electric initially available from 27 dealerships, with full network rollout from 2017.

Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 1.6 GDi prices and specifications will be announced prior to the on sale date in 2017.