Hyundai unleashed their all-new 2017 Ioniq electrified vehicle at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) today, aiming to take on both the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Nissan Leaf EV with three powertrains.
The Ioniq, which is based on an all-new platform developed specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles, can be ordered with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric powertrain.
In the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, the Ioniq comes with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that makes 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque. The engine was designed specifically with hybrid applications in mind.
The hybrid model uses a 32 kW (43 horsepower) electric motor that is used in tandem with the gas-powered engine. The electric motor puts out 125 lb-ft of torque, and the batteries are placed under the rear seats. Combined, the gas/electric powertrain puts out 139 horsepower.
The plug-in hybrid uses a more powerful 45 kW (60 horsepower) electric motor with stronger batteries to give an all-electric range of 25 miles before the gas engine kicks in.
In the all-electric Ioniq, an 88 kW (120 horsepower) electric motor that also makes 215 lb-ft of torque provides 110 miles of range through its 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.
One aspect of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid that separates the Ioniq from the Prius is the transmission. While the Prius uses a CVT that isolates the driver from the powertrain (and the driving experience) the Ioniq with a gas engine come with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Adding to the driving experience is the ability for the driver to select from Sport and Eco modes. In sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer and uses both the gas and electric motors for maximum performance. In Eco mode, the transmission shifts with maximum fuel efficiency in mind.
Under the skin, the Ioniq hybrids have a multi-link rear suspension for better handling. The electric Ioniq makes due with a torsion-beam rear suspension to make room for more batteries.
The Ioniq’s styling is decidedly more mainstream than the quirky Prius, being an attractive five-door wedge that boasts a 0.24 coefficient of drag. The car is still unique enough to convey the fact that it’s motivated partly or completely by electrons, but it’s not polarizing like the Prius.
Inside, the normality continues. Eschewing the oddities of the Prius interior, the Ioniq’s interior is pleasant and attractive while also having technology befitting a 21st-century vehicle. The instrument cluster is a TFT display that changes based on whether Sport or Eco mode is engaged. The infotainment system also has the increasingly common Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
Interior materials are also eco-friendly, with powdered wood, volcanic stone and sugar cane making appearances. The paint has ingredients extracted from soybean oil.
The new Ioniq is a strong contender in the hybrid/EV market, melding attractive styling with the promise of engaging driving dynamics. Hyundai hasn’t released pricing or availability information yet, so stay tuned to TFLcar for more updates on the new Ioniq hybrid.
Check out this TFLcar video of the Ioniq’s sibling, the 2017 Kia Niro hybrid:
